Why is Kim Taehyung the target? ARMYs question double standards; why must BTS speak while enlisted but other groups are spared amid boycotts?

Despite being enlisted in the South Korean military, the entitlement over one of the world's biggest boy groups - BTS - seems only to grow. Fans, not only of the group but others as well, want the seven Korean men to speak on topics they cannot address due to their enlistment, yet the pressure never ceases. While many understand that these seven men cannot solve global issues, there are also many who want them to use their influence to speak out. 

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Amidst this, there are ongoing boycotts against products supporting Israel amidst the Palestinian genocide. On July 21, BTS singer Kim Taehyung, also known as V, posted a series of old pictures on Instagram, including one featuring a bag of fries from McDonald's.

While BTS' association with the fast-food chain isn't new, the brand is currently being boycotted by the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement. Following Israel's deadly attacks on civilians in Gaza, recognized by the International Court of Justice as crimes against humanity, McDonald's began providing free meals to Israeli forces. Despite McDonald's purchasing all its Israeli restaurants and making donations from certain countries, the BDS movement's stance remains unchanged.

Amidst the debate over whether it was appropriate for V to post the fries, one glaring question remains: why are all members of BTS - Kim Namjoon, Kim Seokjin, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung, and Jeon Jung-kook - being scapegoated during this genocide? 

These boys cannot speak out, especially as they serve in the military and represent South Korea. Many question why the biggest groups in K-pop who are not yet enlisted and are exempted from enlistment - the girl groups - are not speaking out and using their platforms to educate the masses.

In fact, many wonder why K-pop has become the focal point of this issue instead of people questioning their local authorities.

V is not the only idol facing backlash; aespa's collaboration with the brand also received significant criticism from their fans. Even NCT, for their collaboration with Starbucks, other idols like Le Sserafim's Huh Yun-jin and soloists like SOMI have faced online hate.

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