BTS member Jungkook sparked a heated public debate after openly expressing his frustration during a late-night live broadcast, in which he used strong language, admitted to smoking in the past and spoke openly about feeling limited by his agency.
What makes the situation particularly surprising is the divided reaction of the public and the fandom. In the past, such behavior could severely damage an idol’s reputation. This time, however, many voices have questioned whether South Korea’s unusually strict moral expectations of idols are stifling adult performers in their 30s.
During the early hours of February 26, Jungkook went live on Weverse, speaking without filters about smoking, swearing, and the pressure of being managed. “I’m 30, why can’t I talk about it?” he said, referring to smoking. “I am a human being”, he added. At one point, he noted, “If it weren’t for the company, I would say everything.” His comments seemed less like drunken ramblings and more like an emotional outburst from someone exhausted from living as a carefully scripted “idol.”
Online reactions quickly poured in. Many commentators have expressed empathy, arguing that the moral standards imposed on K-pop idols are excessively harsh. A netizen wrote: “The moral yardstick that Korean society uses for celebrities, especially idols, is too strict. He must have felt suffocated.” Another pointed out that Jungkook’s tattoos and piercings already reflect a free-spirited personality that may clash with the public’s rigid expectations and rigid agency management. “Even if you’re not a BTS fan, a 30-year-old adult should be allowed to vent like that,” added the commentator, obtaining broad consensus.
However, some fans expressed concern over his choice of words. “No matter how stressed I am, using foul language and making rude gestures on a public broadcast has crossed the line,” one wrote. Others were concerned about the impact on BTS’s upcoming activities and solo promotions. “Freedom and recklessness are not the same thing. As an idol, maintain at least a basic filter,” another commented cautiously.
Yet the strongest sentiment seems to be support for “human Jungkook.” Many argued that his emotional honesty outweighed the controversy. “If he exploded like that in front of the world, he must have held onto it for a long time,” one user said. “Why would a 30-year-old man feel nervous about admitting to smoking or swearing due to stress? It’s not a crime.” Critics of the system argue that even global superstars like Jungkook are still treated like minors whose every move is monitored, revealing what they describe as the rigid underbelly of the K-pop industry.
After finishing the broadcast, Jungkook posted on Weverse that he intends to live life on his own terms and asked for support, making it clear that he doesn’t regret going live.
The incident could mark a turning point in the way the public consumes idols. Fans no longer necessarily demand flawless, porcelain-perfect figures. Instead, many seem more willing to embrace the vulnerability of an artist who feels pressure, anger and frustration. Jungkook’s raw, if risky, performance sparked less condemnation than reflection, highlighting an evolving conversation about authenticity, adulthood and the moral framework surrounding K-pop idols.
Sources: Daum
