BTS member V recently made his debut as a solo artist with the album “Layover.” For the unversed, the album became a hit in no time immediately after its release on September 8, 2023. However, Tae Bear came into the news for an entirely different reason as he found himself at the center of an online harassment incident. On October 1, 2023, a user identifying as Kim Young from Busan posted an apologetic note on the South Korean social media platform Nate Pann. This apology followed HYBE LABELS’ decision to take legal action against the individual responsible for the online harassment. Here is an overview of the incident:
HYBE LABELS Takes Legal Action
The news of Kim Young’s apology and HYBE LABELS’ lawsuit against the online harasser sparked discussions on Nate Pann. In the apology note, Kim Young, who claimed to be active on various online platforms, including Nate Pann, expressed remorse for their previous hateful comments towards BTS’ V and requested an apology from both the fandom and the K-pop idol.
₍˄·͈ ‧̫ ·͈˄₎❤️ #BTSV pic.twitter.com/pC5RLbXtiM
— taehyung pics⚡️ (@taehyungpic) September 25, 2023
Background of the Harassment
In 2022, Kim Young made several hurtful and malicious remarks about V after a YouTuber posted a video mocking the singer. At first, Kim Young had kept these sentiments private. However, as the video gained popularity and attracted negative attention towards V, Kim Young began spreading rumors and engaging in hateful comments. These actions were fueled by strong negative emotions towards the BTS member.
The Apology Note
In the translated apology note, Kim Young admitted to writing mean comments and fabricating stories about V. Kim Young revealed that they had initially believed the negative content from the YouTuber’s video without critically evaluating its accuracy. The note expressed deep regret for their hurtful comments and acknowledged concerns about potential consequences, given their ongoing preparations for a civil service exam.
Fan Reactions
Fans of BTS had varying reactions to Kim Young’s apology. Some fans viewed it as a necessary step and a form of karma catching up with the offender. Others were skeptical, considering it a possible tactic to gain sympathy while continuing to criticize V in online forums. Additionally, many questioned Kim Young’s commitment to preparing for a civil service exam while actively participating in online communities.
On the professional front, BTS’ V has been highly active since the release of his debut solo album, “Layover.” The album achieved significant success, securing the second spot on Billboard’s top 5 best-selling albums of the week, with Olivia Rodrigo’s “Guts” taking the top position.