BTS's V sparks controversy with McDonald’s post, divides ARMY fans

Tae-hyung of BTS sparks controversy by posting McDonald’s on Instagram

BTS’s V has ignited significant controversy within the ARMY fandom after sharing a series of old photos on Instagram, one of which featured a bag of McDonald’s fries. The post has led to heated reactions due to McDonald’s association with the BDS movement, which targets companies linked to Israel following the nation’s military actions in Gaza. The backlash intensified after McDonald’s began donating free meals to the Israeli army.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by V (@thv)

V’s Instagram post has caused a divide among fans, with many condemning him for insensitivity. One fan tweeted, "children of gaza are eating tree leaves while taehyung flaunts eating the brand that directly funds the starvation and k!ll!ng of these children".Another criticized, "People in Palestine are being murdered and yall are worried about Taehyung getting cancelled?" 

People in Palestine are being murdered and yall are worried about Taehyung getting cancelled? 😵😵

— lio😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 (@Yoongmeows2) July 21, 2024

i dont wanna see a single person trying to defend him btw he needs to be called out this is a global boycott of one of the major brands yall make idols apologize for the most stupid shit, taehyung better come forward and explain himself this is not at all okay

— zain (@thvarchivez) July 21, 2024

The criticism stems from what fans perceive as a lack of awareness, with some accusing V of being "tone deaf." One user tweeted, "what level of tone deaf you are on to post this brand after almost 1 year of genocide kim taehyung?? Speechless" 

what level of tone deaf you are on to post this brand after almost 1 year of genocide kim taehyung?? Speechless pic.twitter.com/JtC5PkpF0S

— 🇵🇸⁷ (@kookdice) July 21, 2024

Conversely, a smaller segment of the ARMY has defended V, with hashtags like #WeLoveYouTaehyung and #BORAHAETaehyung trending. Supporters argue that the criticism is excessive and unwarranted. One fan stated, "Most of you only saw the brand. You didn't notice he's showing 7 fries, 4 hyungs (long) and 3 maknaes (short). Your hate blinds you" 

Most of you only saw the brand. You didn't notice he's showing 7 fries, 4 hyungs (long) and 3 maknaes (short). Your hate blinds you.
WE LOVE YOU TAEHYUNG
BORAHAE TAEHYUNG
FOREVER WITH YOU TAEHYUNG
WE PURPLE YOU TAEHYUNG pic.twitter.com/Dxx0RQm2Ua

— VookieⓋت VEEZYテテ (@geochang95_twt) July 21, 2024

The controversy has raised questions about how BTS’s label, HYBE, and V will address the issue. As the debate continues, it remains unclear if V will delete the post or if the label will issue a statement.