Fans of BTS have expressed their outrage after it was revealed that Suga was excluded from a new advertisement celebrating the group’s recent victory in a global fan-voted poll. This incident has sparked a massive backlash from BTS fans, known as ARMYs, who are calling for a united front and demanding that all seven members of the group be acknowledged. Here’s a detailed look at the unfolding situation.
BTS Wins Ad Spot Amid Fierce Competition
On August 28, U-Pick, a global fandom platform, announced that BTS had won the ‘Best K-pop Global Idol Group’ poll. The contest, which pitted some of the biggest names in K-pop against each other, saw BTS come out on top thanks to the enthusiastic support of their global fanbase. As a result, BTS secured a coveted advertisement spot at Yeouido station in Seoul, South Korea, which will showcase its achievements from September 20 to October 4.
The competition had been fierce, with fan communities from various groups like EXO, ENHYPEN, and SEVENTEEN rallying to secure top positions. Ultimately, BTS emerged victorious, and fans eagerly anticipated the opportunity to see their idols featured prominently in the subway station advertisement.
Suga’s Absence in Final Ad Draft Sparks Outrage
However, fans’ excitement was short-lived when the final draft of the advertisement was released on September 9. To their dismay, the commercial showcased BTS members RM, Jin, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, but conspicuously omitted Suga. Each member was highlighted with specific titles and achievements: RM as the ‘BTS Leader’ and ‘Best Rapper,’ Jin as ‘Our Universe Jin,’ J-Hope as the ‘Genius Dancer,’ Jimin as the ‘King of K-pop,’ V as the ‘Best Visual Idol,’ and Jungkook as the ‘Golden Visual Idol.’ Notably missing was any mention of Suga, who traditionally would have been included before J-Hope in the lineup.
This omission did not go unnoticed by BTS’s dedicated ARMYs. The fanbase quickly mobilized, expressing their discontent on social media and voicing their frustration with U-Pick and the advertising platform.
U-Pick Responds to Fan Backlash
Faced with mounting criticism, U-Pick issued a statement to address the issue. The platform explained that new guidelines from the advertising media organization had prevented the inclusion of certain members in the video. They stated that they had advocated for fans’ perspectives but had received responses that certain exposures were not feasible.
U-Pick’s statement read: “Hello, this is UPICK. Recently, we received a new guide from the advertising media organisation. In accordance with the guidelines, we have been informed that exposure of certain members in videos that fans have so lovingly created is not possible. We have continued to convey our opinions to the media from the fans’ perspective, but we have repeatedly received responses that exposure is not possible.
Currently, we are continuing to coordinate with the advertising media organisation regarding the possible scope and will announce the final situation as soon as possible. We would like to inform you that the above exposure impossibility has nothing to do with UPICK’s opinion. We will continue to do its best to provide services based on the fans’ valuable opinions and perspectives. Thank you.”
Despite the explanation, many fans were dissatisfied with U-Pick’s response. They argued that the exclusion of Suga was an unfair and deliberate act, and demanded that either the advertisement be altered to include all seven members or be removed entirely.
Fans Demand ‘7 or Nothing’
In response to the situation, BTS fans united under the slogan ‘7 or Nothing.’ The ARMYs were adamant that BTS’s victory was a group achievement and should be represented as such. Social media was flooded with messages demanding that U-Pick either correct the advertisement to include Suga or withdraw it altogether.
One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “1- said guide should be on your website -which is not- 2- if you’re not going to publish the ad of the original draft with all 7 members on it, then remove it altogether. Your lack of transparency has caused you the loss of a whole fandom of users.”
Another user commented, “You are unprofessional. Don’t blame others. IT’S 7 OR NOTHING.”
Others went so far as to threaten legal action against U-Pick for what they perceived as misleading advertising. One fan warned, “Fun fact @UPICK_twt did you know that misleading advertisement can result in a fine of up to 150 million KRW or two years in prison. You don’t want to play this game with us. We voted for BTS as a group and that group includes SUGA. You removing him is false advertisement.”
Global ARMY Statement Defends All Members
As the controversy continued, the Global ARMY Alliance issued a collective statement reaffirming their support for all members of BTS. The statement aimed to address recent attempts by some individuals to undermine the group and clarify the stance of the majority of fans.
The statement read: “The BTS ARMY is a vast fandom based around the world, yet a small number of people have recently released statements through the media claiming opinions that are contrary to the beliefs of the overwhelming majority of ARMY. Despite ARMY’s opposition to this imperious behaviour, they continue to act against the fandom’s wishes while using ARMY’s name. It was further revealed that fans of other groups organised these actions. Therefore, we would like to clarify our position as the Global ARMY Alliance both domestically and internationally.”
Although the statement did not directly address Suga’s DUI incident, it emphasized the community’s unified support for all BTS members, including Suga.
DUI Controversy and Its Impact
Suga’s recent DUI incident has further complicated the situation. On August 25, Suga issued a handwritten apology after falling from his electric scooter and undergoing a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was found to be significantly above the legal limit, leading to a suspension of his driver’s license.
The incident attracted significant media attention, with some reports containing exaggerated or inaccurate details. For example, JTBC issued an apology for broadcasting misleading footage, which was later corrected by the police, revealing that Suga was actually on a footpath, not driving on a road.
In response to the controversy, some fans and media outlets called for Suga’s removal from BTS. However, the overwhelming majority of ARMYs rallied to support all seven members of the group, denouncing any attempts to tarnish their image or exclude a member from their achievements.
FAQs
What happened with Suga that caused controversy?
Suga was involved in a DUI incident where his blood-alcohol content was found to be above the legal limit. This led to media scrutiny and a suspension of his driver’s license.
Is Suga excluded from BTS?
No, Suga is not excluded from BTS. Despite being omitted from a recent advertisement due to guidelines from the advertising media organization, he remains an integral member of the group.
