"Petition Calls for Revocation of BTS Jungkook's Cultural Medal"

BTS Jungkook has sparked controversy after it was revealed that he visited Itaewon during the social distancing period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Min Jun-young] BTS member Jungkook has come under scrutiny after it was revealed that he visited Itaewon, Seoul during the social distancing period amid the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting a petition demanding the revocation of his Order of Cultural Merit.

On the 18th, a post titled "Please revoke BTS Jeon Jungkook's Order of Cultural Merit" was uploaded on the Blue House National Petition Board.

The petitioner criticized, "While countless citizens are striving to overcome the global pandemic called COVID-19, Jungkook visited Itaewon with three idols he is close to," adding, "This disregards the efforts of the public and medical staff who have worked hard so far."

They continued, "This is also inconsistent with the purpose of awarding the Order of Cultural Merit to those who have made clear contributions to national development," and pointed out, "Failing to observe social distancing actually hinders the country's progress."

The petitioner further stated, "Reflecting this public sentiment, please revoke the Order of Cultural Merit awarded to BTS Jeon Jungkook," and added, "Also, investigate the idols who violated social distancing guidelines and demand strict and swift punishment."

As it was revealed that BTS Jungkook visited Itaewon, a petition titled "Please revoke the Order of Cultural Merit awarded to BTS Jeon Jungkook" was posted on the Blue House National Petition Board on the 18th. Photo by Blue House National Petition capture

The petition has sparked heated debates among netizens.

A netizen agreeing with the petition commented, "At a time when COVID-19 is not over, idols ignoring social distancing guidelines and going around should be criticized."

On the other hand, a netizen opposing the petition responded, "It is true that the guidelines were violated, but it is not a serious enough offense to revoke the medal."

Earlier, a media outlet reported on the 18th that BTS Jungkook, Astro Cha Eun-woo, NCT Jaehyun, and Seventeen Mingyu?members of the so-called '97 group' in the entertainment industry?visited Itaewon on the 25th of last month.

The outlet stated, "The essence of the Itaewon idol issue is not about participation in 'social distancing.' The core problem is complacency," and added, "At the same time, (the agency's) irresponsibility."

In response, Jungkook's agency Big Hit Entertainment acknowledged on the same day, "It is true that Jungkook visited Itaewon," and apologized, saying, "We deeply reflect on the fact that he did not fully participate in the society-wide efforts for social distancing."

They continued, "He did not visit places that became problematic due to confirmed cases in early April, and the visit was about one week before the first confirmed case went to Itaewon," adding, "After the visit, he showed no COVID-19 symptoms such as coughing or fever, voluntarily underwent testing at a screening clinic, and tested negative."

They concluded, "We will strictly adhere to guidelines to prevent such issues from happening again," and apologized, "We are sorry for causing concern to fans and many others."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.