BTS ARMYs release an online campaign #BTSPurpleRibbonProject to prop up BTS and protect them from cyberbullying, harasshment and misrepresentation.
Seoul: A counterattack campaign #BTSPurpleRibbonProject got underway surging all social media to protect BTS members from cyberbullying and malicious rumors. BTS ARMYs all around the world united together to show their support towards all BTS members and stood against what they call ‘antis’.
In the campaign, supporters are asked to tweet a purple ribbon with the same supporting message. They can add any other purple pic of their own with #BTSPurpleRibbonProject.
They tweeted a purple ribbon with a message “As a member of BTS’s ARMY, I stand united and strong behind all seven members. Taking a pledge, they vowed “We won’t stand idly by while they are bullied, harassed, or misrepresented by online trolls and the media.” They expressed their love and support for BTS reenacting #BTSPurpleRibbonProject. Hashtags such as #Apobangpo (ARMYForeverBTSForever), #ARMYShieldsBTS, #SnoozeTheHate and #BTSisPARADISE are trending alongside.
The Purple Ribbon Project was initiated by BTS ARMY in the year 2018. In order to safeguard the members in crowded areas while traveling. ARMY created a barricade of purple ribbon while clearing space for the members to commute safely. The initiative was recognized and appreciated by BTS itself alongside other artists and their fandoms. The project marked a memorable example of mutual respect, understanding, solidarity and love between BTS and their ARMY.
After six years, in 2024 when BTS faced a wave of criticism, cyberbullying and serious accusations the project, #BTSPurpleRibbonProject, once again stood strong in their defense. The context perhaps has been changed but ARMY’s deposition to protect their idols remain intact and stronger than ever.
Soon after Suga’s DUI news came into light, cyberwar broke out between BTS supporters and antis. The war escalated after #SugaChallenge strom up the internet speculating to be started by BTS supporters. Objecting to the validity of the speculations, fans accused BTS antis of sowing seeds. They claimed that haters are using Suga’s DUI incident to defame BTS and spread malicious rumors.
Official Civil complaints have been filed against Suchwita host Suga claiming he lacks sincerity towards his responsibility as a public social worker. As it is known that due to shoulder injury Suga is currently assigned in the civil work office as a public social worker. The Seoul Regional Military Manpower Administration logged the complaint. The complaint called for an investigation into his neglect of work in his military service. Suga has been alleged of behaving like a bully by skipping classes, sleeping during the lectures and not respecting the lecturer.
The reports published by South Korean media outlets suggest that the petitioner accused Suga of receiving privileges due to his high status in society by his employer. They also speculated that Suga must have not completed his work after drinking the day he was arrested under DUI case.
BTS ARMYs are aggressively promoting the campaign amid the chaos and controversies as they gave out a clear message saying “ARMYs won’t take wreath” of anyone be it haters or antis as they challenge them. They have also protested outside the HYBE building to take actions against speculators.
Netizens call for Suga to leave BTS as they claim he is tarnishing their reputation and taking the group down with him. In response ARMYs emphasis the significance of togetherness of all 7 members to keep the band intact. They affirm that when we are together, even the desert can turn into a sea.
ARMY demands an apology after CCTV footage showing Suga riding an e-scooter on the day of the DUI incident surfaced on social media. In the footage Suga was seen riding the scooter at walking speed and fell while making a left turn to reach his house.
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