Why Holding BTS to a Higher Standard of “Perfect Activism” is Unfair

Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS) is a K-Pop group that debuted on 13th June 2013 and is globally known for it’s impactful and meaningful songs, their artistic abilities and for it’s monumental success in the mainstream market. The group is popularly famous for breaking down the barriers of K-pop in such a manner that it was able to grow in the westernized and mainstream market, making it easier for other groups to achieve recognition and success; in short for “Paving the way”.

BTS has made significant contributions not only in the field of music, but also in raising awareness through various campaigns and donations. The “Love Myself” Campaign and their partnership with UNICEF are popularly known. The members have also spoken about other significant topics that range from ‘Mental Health Advocacy’, ‘Social Justice’ and ‘Black Lives Matter’.

However, most of the people around the world are hypocritical and known for double standards. People are often very critical when it comes to appreciating BTS. Whether it is about their works, their talent or abilities, People have always set different expectations from them in comparison with other artists. Well, it would’ve been different if these so called “expectations” were positive. BTS was always held at a higher standard when it came to them spreading awareness (In other words “perfect activism”).

In doing so, most of the people forget that the members of BTS are musicians and not professional activists or politicians. Expecting them to have a precise, concise and strong opinions about every global issue places immense unreasonable pressure on them. BTS also faces the concept of ‘selective outrage’ where they are specifically targeted and used as scapegoats when they do things differently than what people expect them to do. Almost all the time, people forget that the members of BTS are idols and have to act a certain way and this may impose some limitations and restrictions on their actions.

Pushing false narratives on the group often leads to ignoring their actual contributions that has created a global impact. All the members have been known to make donations to support various causes.

Since 2017, BTS collaborated with UNICEF on the ‘Love Myself’ campaign, supporting the #ENDviolence initiative. The campaign reached millions of people and helped to spread positivity, self love and spread messages of mental health support. In June 2020, BTS and their label, Big Hit Entertainment, donated US$1 million to the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement. This action spurred fans to create the #MatchAMillion campaign, raising an additional $1 million.

BTS has also spoken in the UN general assembly and urged people to speak for themselves and find their voice. The group and its members have made numerous, often anonymous, donations to support relief efforts for disasters and to aid children in need. In 2021, they were appointed as Special Presidential Envoys for Future Generations and Culture by South Korea, representing the country at the 76th UN General Assembly to promote sustainable development. In 2022, BTS visited the White House to talk about the rise in Anti-Asian crimes and promote Asian inclusion. BTS also spoke about respecting each individual and highlighted the importance of staying united,

These are not even a fraction of the things that BTS does and this in turn inspires ARMYs all over the world to come forward and make a change. Fans have raised money for various causes, including the Australian bushfires, COVID-19 relief in India, and environmental protection projects like “BTS forest” projects in Seoul and the “BTS tree park” in Philippines. The demand for “perfect activism” just comes off as projection by people and shows how they desire to be viewed as morally superior. BTS is not just any K-pop group. They are more than just musicians. They are a global phenomenon, whose works will be appreciated by the future generations and by all ARMYs for eternity.