BTS Mentions 'Korean War' in Acceptance Speech, Chinese Netizens Outraged... "Are They Disrespecting the Chinese Army?"

BTS Remembers Korean War Sacrifices at US Awards Ceremony on the 6th

On the 7th, at the Van Fleet Award ceremony held online by the Korea Society, a U.S.-based Korea-U.S. friendship nonprofit foundation, the group BTS delivered their acceptance speech. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] BTS mentioned the Korean War in their acceptance speech, which led to strong backlash from some Chinese netizens.

According to China's state-run media 'Global Times' on the 12th (local time), BTS has been heavily criticized by Chinese netizens following their remarks at the 'Ban Fleet Award' ceremony in the United States on the 7th. The Ban Fleet Award is presented annually by the Korea Society, a U.S. nonprofit organization, to individuals or groups who have contributed to Korea-U.S. friendship.

The statement that netizens took issue with was when BTS leader RM (real name Kim Namjoon) said at the ceremony, "This year's event is especially meaningful as it marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War."

At the time, RM said, "We will forever remember the history of hardship our two nations endured together and the sacrifices of countless men and women."

In response, some Chinese netizens criticized the use of the word "our two nations," claiming it ignored the sacrifices of Chinese soldiers who participated in the Korean War.

One netizen wrote on Weibo (China's social networking service), "Matters related to national dignity can never be tolerated," and pointed out, "BTS previously recognized Taiwan as a separate country in an interview."

Another netizen said, "Are they ignoring the Chinese soldiers who gave their lives in the war?" and added, "As a Chinese person, I am angry." Some netizens even declared their withdrawal from BTS's fan club, 'ARMY.'

China refers to its military involvement in the Korean War as 'Kangmei Yuanchao' (抗美援朝, meaning 'Resist America, Aid Korea'). Recently, amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and China due to trade disputes, the Chinese government has been emphasizing the spirit of 'Kangmei Yuanchao,' highlighting patriotism, heroism, and overcoming hardship.

Meanwhile, in 1950, when North Korea was on the defensive during the Korean War, China formed the 'Chinese People's Volunteer Army' to provide support. At that time, 260,000 Chinese People's Volunteer Army troops crossed the Yalu River and were deployed to the front lines. According to a recent report by China's official newspaper 'People's Daily,' approximately 180,000 Chinese soldiers are estimated to have died during the Korean War.

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