BTS‘ Jungkook‘s hit single “SEVEN” has been making waves on the charts, but the song’s producers are now facing backlash for some comments they made. BTS’ fans, collectively known as ARMY, are calling out Andrew Watt and Cirkut, the producers of “SEVEN,” for their offensive and xenophobic remarks about Jungkook.
The controversy began when Forbes published an interview with Watt and Cirkut about the success of “SEVEN.” While they had many positive things to say about Jungkook, some of their comments didn’t sit well with ARMY.
FORBES on Jungkook,
"The success of SEVEN marks a historic moment and sets him apart from his group BTS & other K-pop Artists. Normally South Korean Acts don't dominate outside of the nation but Jungkook proves he can stand shoulder to shoulder with any world-class pop star." pic.twitter.com/os7gFLNNm8— Daily jk praise (@dailyjkpraise) July 22, 2023
First, Cirkut referred to ARMY as “rabid,” a term that many feel perpetuates negative stereotypes about K-pop fans. He commented on the overwhelming response from Jungkook‘s followers on social media, stating, “It’s amazing how fans of BTS and Jungkook are just so supportive and loyal. It’s just pretty crazy.”
Jeon Jungkook, American superstar?
However, what really rubbed ARMY the wrong way was Watt’s comparison of Jungkook‘s release of “SEVEN” to Justin Timberlake‘s solo career. Timberlake was a member of *NSYNC until 2002, the year he went his own way, an implication that did not go unnoticed by fans. Many fans took to social media to express their concerns about the insinuation that Jungkook might leave BTS.
In the same vein, Watt referred to Jungkook as a “superstar” but distinguished between his career before and after the release of “SEVEN.” Watt stated that Jungkook has now reached the level of an “American superstar.” Fans interpreted this as an attempt to downplay his previous success as a Korean superstar. It seemed to them that Watt wanted to emphasize Jungkook’s American success as if it were more important.
i don't know which part of this i hate most – calling armys "rabid", trying to create a wedge between bts and jungkook by referring to him as the JT of bts (not to mention JT is problematic), the blatant xenophobia, or the producers trying to take credit for seven's success 🤮 https://t.co/DhtuoNSaNU
— hema⁷ ♡ hope on the street (@hemabangtanarmy) July 30, 2023
ARMY asserted Jungkook’s identity as a Korean artist and criticized the song’s producers for their comments, which some said smacked of xenophobia. They disliked the Western media’s attempts to claim Jungkook’s success as their own and strip him of his Korean identity.
This issue underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for artists’ identities and backgrounds. Despite the ruckus, “SEVEN” continues to set records, proving Jungkook’s undeniable talent and global appeal. – K-Pop News Writer
정국 (Jung Kook) ‘Seven’ Recording Film
Featured Image: Jungkook’s time with Watt and Cirkut was featured in a video about the recording process. Source: YouTube/BANGTANTV.