The group BTS (BTS) arrives and poses at the venue for the 64th Grammy Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, USA, in April 2022. Photo provided by|Yonhap News

A panelist on a Mexican TV program sparked controversy by making crude remarks about the group BTS and ARMY (the fandom).

On ‘Chismorreo,’ an entertainment program on Mexico's Multimedios Channel 6 that aired late last month, the panel discussed public reactions to alleged unfairness in ticketing for the BTS world tour concert in Mexico City, when one panelist belittled BTS and drew criticism.

After presenting, in a report format, issues such as the non-disclosure of the seating chart, an opaque fee structure, and indications of prearranged ticket resales, along with an announcement of countermeasures by the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, the panel moved on to discuss concert ticket prices. TV personality Luisa Fernanda then said, “For example, the Shakira concert to be held in February also sold out. Even while feeling exploited by high ticket prices, this is the level of public judgment,” which triggered the controversy.

The group BTS.

Another participant, Fabian Lavalle, said, “If I had a 17-year-old daughter, I would make her do her homework,” and, “This is not the time to be crying and wailing over a concert by some unknown singer,” after which photos and videos of BTS were shown, suggesting the remarks were aimed at BTS.

The host hastily tried to rein things in by saying, “Many kids want to see BTS in person,” but Fernanda went on to disparage ARMY, saying, “I assure you, half of the fans probably did not even finish elementary school, yet they will try to go to the concert.”

As the footage spread on YouTube and other channels, the global BTS fandom rose up. Even considering that the program deals with celebrity gossip, many say the remarks crossed a line. In addition, because of the belittling comments about educational attainment, ARMY members in professional fields have been posting statements proving their occupations.

The BTS concerts in Mexico City are scheduled for May 7 and May 9∼10. It has also become a hot topic that President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico sent a letter to President Lee Jae Myung requesting ‘more support for concerts’.

Meanwhile, on March 21 at 8 p.m. (KST), BTS will hold ‘BTS Comeback Live: Arirang’ (BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE｜ARIRANG) at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. The event has been arranged to commemorate the release of a new album of the same name. The stage for new songs, including the title track, will be unveiled for the first time at Gwanghwamun Square, one of the landmark spaces that represent Korea.