On April 8, BTS Jungkook went live on Weverse, where he spoke candidly about the incident that sparked debate among fans and netizens.

During the livestream, Jungkook acknowledged the discomfort some fans may have felt: “I think I should apologize to ARMY. Since I’ve never shown that kind of side before, it might have made some people uncomfortable. I’m sorry to those who felt that way, and I’ll be more careful in the future.”

However, he also made it clear that he does not fully view his actions as a mistake: “Did I do something seriously wrong? I’m not sure. Honestly, people in similar industries use those kinds of words all the time.”

His response quickly drew attention for its balanced tone—apologetic yet unapologetically honest.

Jungkook also addressed the wave of criticism that followed the incident, expressing some frustration: “I don’t really have anything to say to people who are quick to criticize everything. But thank you for the attention.”

Despite this, he emphasized his sincerity toward fans: “I hope you know how I feel about ARMY. I’ve always been genuine. I’m not a perfect person, but I’ve always been sincere with my fans.”

He added that he is open to feedback, saying he would accept criticism if fans felt uncomfortable.

The issue began on February 26, when Jungkook held a late-night Weverse live broadcast that lasted about 1 hour and 30 minutes. During the stream, he was seen making a middle finger gesture and using profanity toward an acquaintance.

The moment quickly spread online, leading to divided reactions—some fans defended his authenticity, while others criticized the behavior as inappropriate for a public figure.

Jungkook’s response highlights a recurring discussion in K-pop: the balance between idols’ authenticity and public expectations. While some fans appreciate his candidness and honesty, others hold idols to stricter behavioral standards due to their influence and global image.

With this statement, Jungkook attempts to bridge that gap—acknowledging fans’ concerns while staying true to his personal perspective.

Sources: 네이트 뉴스