BTS Recent Update Sparks Viral Misogyny Debate, Fans Rush to Defend

BTS is facing backlash over their new music video teaser for “Normal.”

The controversy began when BTS dropped the 20-second teaser on July 15 for their upcoming single “Normal,” the official second release from their ARIRANG album. The teaser shows the members lined up at urinals, presumably in a bathroom, while RM looks for a spot.

Fans quickly reacted as the teaser went viral, sparking debate about potential misogyny. Some argued that if a girl group posted a similar bathroom scene, it wouldn’t be received positively.

but if a girl group did this…
— 𑣲⋆.˚ kira’s iconic heart (@haerinlemonzest)

Soon after, many defended BTS, saying the group faces harsher criticism than others and questioned why BTS should be blamed for how other groups might be treated.

yall are literally more critical towards bts than literally any other kpop group ever stop acting like they’re this constantly praised group that gets away with everything when yall literally harass them for doing the most normal ass shit all the damn time
— AK!R4⁷★∞ ȸƆЖԨ ARIRANG (@J00NM3TAL)

when people say this what do they expect us to do
— king ⁷ ⁹ ⁵ ⁵ (@mnibangtanie)

did what? be present in a bathroom with no indecency showing at all? nothing would happen because nothing is as perverted as you braindead weasels make it out to be. the mv isnt even out yet and you lot are barking trying to be the performative feminists you always are
— asya (@mincasanov)

Others pointed out that bathroom or toilet concepts have appeared before in K-pop, including female idols and BIGBANG’s G-Dragon and T.O.P in their “ZUTTER” music video.