The recent controversy surrounding BTS member Suga’s drinking and driving incident has created notable divides among the BTS fanbase. Opinions are starkly different between South Korean fans and international fans. CedarBough T. Saeji, an assistant professor of Korean and East Asian Studies at Pusan National University, suggests that this divide is rooted in varying perceptions of idol culture.
“In many countries, ‘idol’ simply describes a celebrity, but in Korea, it implies an expectation of near-perfection both on and off the stage,” Saeji explained in an interview with the Korea Times. “Media often highlights idols to illustrate appropriate public behavior, leading to various controversies.”
Saeji noted that international ARMY (the name for BTS’s fandom) tends to support Suga, contrasting sharply with the rigorous standards imposed on celebrities in Korea. The tragic case of the late actor Lee Sun Kyun exemplifies this high level of expectation.
Lee Sun Kyun, a prominent actor known for his approachable demeanor, faced a drug scandal in October 2023 that garnered significant media attention and public outcry. Despite proclaiming his innocence, he faced overwhelming negativity from the Korean public. Unfortunately, the situation culminated in his death; he was discovered in his vehicle in December 2023 while an investigation into the drug allegations was ongoing.
“ARMY members feel a protective instinct towards BTS, particularly after incidents like Lee Sun Kyun’s, which raises concerns about the wellbeing of artists,” Saeji remarked. “This incident has heightened anxieties that a more tragic outcome could arise from Suga’s current situation.”
Additionally, Grace Kao, a sociology professor at Yale University, echoed similar sentiments regarding American fans’ reactions to celebrity scandals.
“American ARMY are also anxious about the impact of the Korean public’s response on Suga’s mental health,” Kao stated. “They are aware of a troubling history in which celebrity scandals have led to severe personal consequences, including suicides.”
Regarding Suga’s situation, many American fans acknowledge his mistake and appreciate his apology, perceiving the offense as relatively lenient since no one was directly harmed. However, Kao noted that fans tend to unite against more serious allegations, where the damage is clear, citing the case of Taeil, who was expelled from the K-pop group NCT by SM Entertainment on August 28 due to sexual misconduct allegations. Such serious accusations are universally acknowledged by fans.
“When people are harmed, forgiveness becomes less likely among American fans, especially concerning harassment or sexual assault narratives,” Grace Kao concluded.
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