Korean pop group BTS is encountering criticism from some of their supporters following their appearance with controversial American artist Chris Brown and attendance at his concert in Toronto. J-Hope (Jung Ho-seok) and RM (Kim Nam-joon) were present at Brown’s performance at Rogers Stadium, where he co-headlined with Usher. BTS is set to perform at the same venue on August 22 and August 23.
In a picture shared on Brown’s Instagram account, J-Hope and RM were seen posing with the singer. They were also captured dancing and singing along in videos shared on social media. Brown, known for his criminal record and multiple assault charges, has faced legal issues since 2009 when he pleaded guilty to assaulting singer Rihanna, his then-girlfriend. Subsequently, he was jailed in 2014 and recently admitted guilt to an assault charge at a London nightclub.
The images and videos have elicited mixed reactions from BTS’s fanbase, known as ARMY. Some fans expressed disappointment in the two members for associating with Brown, while others defended J-Hope and RM. Supporters argued that the duo may have attended the show primarily to see Usher and that assumptions about their morals based on one event are unfair.
BTS representatives have not responded to requests for comments on the matter.