Published July 12, 2025
Fandom Culture
By Fairlane Raymundo
The Importance of Responsible Storytelling in the BTS Fandom
With BTS members currently in their military service and a wave of comeback-related excitement on the horizon, it’s no surprise that the spotlight has shifted back to the group in full force. From documentaries to books to fan-inspired films, everyone seems eager to tell the BTS story. But not all storytelling is equal — and sometimes, it leaves behind more harm than celebration.
Recently, multiple projects have stirred controversy within the ARMY community. One such case involved a fan-made film about ARMYs that allegedly included involvement from a director previously vocal about boycotting BTS unless they made a public statement on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Another high-profile issue came from a published novel that originally began as fanfiction portraying Jimin as an abuser. Although the author claimed the final version was fictional and no longer about BTS, many fans were understandably upset.
Monica Kim and the Book on Jungkook
Now, attention has turned to Monica Kim — a writer and former Vogue editor — who recently authored a book on Jungkook. On her now-inactive Instagram account, she said it was an honor to be tasked with celebrating Jungkook and BTS while exploring the cultural forces behind their global rise. According to Kim, she spent a year reimmersing herself in K-pop for the project.
Monica Kim shares her debut book The Meaning of Jungkook, calling it an honor and noting she spent a year re-immersing in K-pop for the project. 📸 Source: Instagram/@monmoon (May 8, 2025)
However, early excerpts from the book sparked concerns. Some ARMYs shared that in one passage, Kim referenced a toxic experience with a Jimin fan who had reacted negatively when Kim complimented Jungkook in a Vogue article. Though Kim didn't directly insult Jimin, her decision to highlight toxicity from a specific member's fanbase, without equal context, left many readers uncomfortable.
📸 Source: X: @cocojm_ot7
The Bigger Problem with Singling Out One Member
Here’s the issue: while toxic fans exist in every fandom, singling out one BTS member — especially in a book supposedly meant to honor another — creates the illusion that only one member attracts problematic behavior. The truth is, all popular figures attract some level of toxic fandom. And yes, every BTS member has both passionate and problematic fans. That’s the reality of global fame.
But when you’re writing a commercially published book about one member, you carry a responsibility to portray the group with fairness and balance. Writers should be mindful that any mention of negativity tied to a specific member can quickly be weaponized by antis, misinterpreted by casual readers, and leave long-lasting impacts on that member’s image.
The Role of Bangtan Subs and the Backlash
Further controversy erupted when fans discovered that BTS translation team Bangtan Subs (or Bangan Subs) were interviewed for Kim’s book. Given the book's content, some fans felt betrayed by their involvement. However, the team quickly clarified that they had no access to the book's full content and had only answered a set of questions regarding their work as translators and the meaning of BTS in their lives.
BTS-Trans clarified their limited involvement in Monica Kim’s book, stating they only contributed to a chapter about ARMY and had no access to the full content.
📸 Source: X/@BTS_Trans
Their statement emphasized that their participation was strictly limited to a section about ARMY as a community, and they did not contribute to or endorse any other content. They reaffirmed their OT7 stance and apologized for any distress caused.
As someone who has observed the BTS journey closely, I believe Bangtan Subs deserves the benefit of the doubt. In the early years, they played an essential role in bridging BTS and international fans. Their work helped millions understand and connect with BTS’s words and messages. While it’s valid for fans to feel hurt, especially Jimin’s fans, we must also extend grace to those who have historically uplifted the group.
Why It Matters
This situation serves as a powerful reminder of the weight carried by anyone who benefits from the BTS brand — whether you’re a journalist, content creator, or fan translator. When your platform or income is tied to BTS, there is a baseline responsibility to treat each member and the group as a whole with fairness, respect, and care.
If you're going to write about one member's achievements, there is rarely a need to drag in unrelated criticism of another — especially when that criticism is based on isolated fan interactions. Writers and creators must understand how easily these narratives can be spun online, often in damaging ways.
What We Can Learn Moving Forward
For fans, content creators, and contributors to BTS-related media, this moment is a valuable lesson. If you're ever asked to participate in a BTS-related project — whether through interviews, quotes, or collaboration — always ask for transparency. Request access to the scope of the project. Better yet, get a written agreement stating your statements and likeness cannot be used to harm or misrepresent any BTS member or the group.
More broadly, we should normalize protecting our Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and intellectual property. If a project doesn't agree to those terms, it's perfectly reasonable to walk away. It’s not just about safeguarding yourself — it’s about protecting the people and values you care about.
No to Cancel Culture, Yes to Accountability
To be clear, this isn’t a call to cancel Monica Kim or anyone else.
Monica Kim, former Vogue editor, pictured alongside her debut book The Meaning of Jungkook, which explores the BTS star’s global rise.
Bullying or harassment helps no one. But fair criticism is valid. The harm from these choices is real, and it's important to acknowledge it without resorting to hate.
Jimin’s fans have every right to be upset, especially considering this isn’t the first time his image has been twisted in published media. While some may argue that one paragraph is insignificant, that’s often all it takes to cause lasting damage. Small moments matter, especially in a fandom that’s used to having to defend its artists.
Let’s take this situation as a moment to reflect and grow as a fandom. Let’s advocate for responsible storytelling and uplift those who continue to support BTS with care and fairness. Let’s protect all seven members with the same energy we use to celebrate them.
And most importantly, let’s not forget that even in criticism, there’s space for kindness, clarity, and growth.
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REWIND
Some people follow the script. Others rewrite it. He wasn’t supposed to be here. Not in the dirt. Not in the cold. Not hauling 50-kilo shells across the forest floor. But J-Hope—Jung Hoseok—doesn’t do “supposed to.” From global stages to remote mountain ranges… he didn’t just show up. He took command. Drill instructor. Special warrior. Counselor. Champion.
Last week, Mnet reportedly published an article stating that HYBE and Chairman Bang Si Hyuk had been raided by authorities. After two prior rejections, a third search warrant was allegedly granted, and the supposed raid was carried out.
If you were lucky enough to experience Jin’s recent concert in Seoul — whether in person or via livestream — you’ll know one thing for sure: this wasn’t just a concert. It was a transformation.
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