Korean pop group BTS is facing criticism from some of its supporters following the appearance of two band members alongside controversial American artist Chris Brown at his Toronto concert on Wednesday. J-Hope (Jung Ho-seok) and RM (Kim Nam-joon) were in attendance at Brown’s show at Rogers Stadium, where he performed alongside Usher for the second of two shows.
A photo shared on Brown’s Instagram account captured J-Hope and RM posing with the singer, while videos on social media showed them enjoying the performance. Brown, known for his criminal record and multiple legal issues, has faced various assault charges, including a notable incident involving his then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009.
Despite Brown’s troubled history, some BTS fans expressed disappointment in the band members for being associated with him. The online reactions within the BTS fandom, known as ARMY, were mixed, with some fans expressing disillusionment while others defended J-Hope and RM.
Speculation arose about the band members’ intentions, with some fans suggesting they may have been present at the concert to support Usher rather than endorse Brown. Fans highlighted the importance of distinguishing between criticizing a decision and attacking someone’s character, emphasizing the need for understanding and avoiding snap judgments.
As of now, BTS representatives have not responded to requests for comments on the matter.