ARMYs Enraged at Disrespect BTS Jin is Getting Amidst Military Service
A whirlwind of controversy is surrounding the global brand Coway, following the conspicuous absence of Jin, a member of the mega-popular South Korean boy band BTS, from a recent advertisement.
The anomaly has triggered an uproar among the band's fanbase, ARMY, raising questions about the rationale behind this decision and the alleged links between Coway and HYBE, the label BTS is signed with.
The Absence that Fanned the Flames
In 2021, BTS became the face of Coway, a brand recognized globally for its captivating and humorous advertisements featuring the beloved idols.
However, an uproar ensued when fans noticed that a new commercial did not include Jin, despite other members being present. Initially, fans speculated that Jin's current military enlistment could be the reason behind his omission.
There are a lot of questions like "Is it because Seokjin is in army?". So I'm showing you. Coway Berex Smart Matrix. It's advertisement that started on February 11th. All 7 BTS members are in this ad. https://t.co/umsF2lckHp pic.twitter.com/FfdjlgGV6B
— star_jin (@nightstar1201) May 16, 2023
But a persistent fan dispelled these assumptions by highlighting that a February 2023 advertisement, featuring all seven band members, was released, and the latest advert, minus Jin, seemed to be filmed alongside an August 2022 commercial which included all members.
ARMYs Question Jin's Disrespect Amidst Military Service
The incident continues to stir resentment amongst the ARMYs. Fans view the omission particularly offensive given his current service to his country. As ARMYs rally behind their beloved idol, they demand not just an explanation, but also a rectification of this perceived disrespect towards Jin amidst his military service.
Coway airing ot6 ads because they failed to renew their contract with Seokjin before his enlistment.. mind you Seokjin did the ads with swollen finger..THIS IS UNPROFESSIONAL AND DISTURBING.
— Sumsum⁷🍊FREE PALESTINE (@SumSumSeVeN) May 17, 2023
ARMYs further pointed out that brands like Lotte Xylitol successfully coordinated BTS-related projects before Jin's enlistment.
The controversy thickened with the revelation of Coway's ties to HYBE, BTS's label. Bang Joon Hyuk, who bought Coway, is the cousin of HYBE's founder, Bang Si Hyuk, and also invested in Big Hit Entertainment in 2018.
coway just made enemy with me . like i didn’t even know they were showing the ad with only 6 members because they didn’t renegotiate seokjin contract before he enlisted and mind you he did those ads with a swollen finger and all. very confused to how this happen tbh
— keke⁷ 🎄 (@stallseok) May 17, 2023
This connection raises eyebrows, making fans wonder if Coway had inside information about Jin's enlistment and could have taken steps to include him.
The Response that Failed to Quell
When fans took note of Jin's missing presence, they swarmed Coway with inquiries.
Amid a sea of unresponded messages, a response to a Korean fan surfaced, attributing Jin's absence to his military service, which, as per the law, hindered his participation.
코웨이 답변이 왔습니다.ㅠㅠㅠㅠ pic.twitter.com/cnnIM9PDKf
— 김석진사랑해²⁰²⁴⁰⁶¹² (@lovejin_921204) May 17, 2023
The representative from Coway expressed the brand's anticipation for Jin's return after completing his military duties and promised to work towards improved services.
Jin's Commitment: Soldiering On Amidst Controversy
Jin's dedication to his country is unwavering, evidenced by his military service that commenced on December 13, 2022.
this is genuinely upsetting how coway thought it's okay to telecast ot6 ads when BTS is 7. it's very unprofessional of them to not renew the contract with jin before he enlisted.
— moon⁷ (@thv_vanttae) May 17, 2023
Stationed in the Gyeonggi Province, a region proximate to the North Korean border, Jin is fulfilling his duties with steadfast resolve.
Expected to return by June 2024, fans eagerly await Jin's completion of his service, hoping for his triumphant return to the world of entertainment.
Amidst these expectations, the incident with Coway only adds to the fans' impatience and fuels their demand for justice for Jin during this significant period of his life.
