KBS News Faces Backlash: Allegedly Blocks ARMYs Supporting Palestine

In the wake of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Palestine, K-Pop fans, notably ARMYs, have stepped up their efforts to advocate for positive change and show support for those affected. Central to their campaign is a call for HYBE, the entertainment company behind BTS and other popular groups, to "divest from Zionism," particularly scrutinizing the company's association with CEO Scooter Braun.

Braun's management practices have been subject to criticism in the past, but the focus has now shifted to his long-standing support of Zionist ideologies. 

This sentiment extends to recent collaborations and partnerships, including BTS's promotion of artists such as Usher and the speculated release of a song featuring Pharrell Williams, both known supporters of Israel.

In 2018 Pharrell performed “Happy” at the Friends of IDF benefit. The benefit raised $60 million. pic.twitter.com/zJMXQggE6z

— Kandist (@kandistmallett) May 14, 2021

The movement against Zionism within HYBE has been largely driven by Palestinian ARMYs, who have organised initiatives like a protest truck sent to HYBE's headquarters in Seoul. The truck, adorned with messages in English and Korean, highlighted the devastation in Gaza and voiced the demands of fans regarding Braun's involvement and artist collaborations.

In their quest to amplify their message, fans have turned to social media, tagging prominent Korean news outlets. However, allegations have surfaced regarding KBS News's response, with claims of tweets related to the campaign being hidden or users being blocked. 

guys … kbs news BLOCKED MY ACCOUNT… pic.twitter.com/OtQvfgjgFu

— ggg (@d2cypher) February 23, 2024

While it remains uncertain whether these actions were deliberate or a result of existing policies, attention has shifted to how news outlets address such allegations.

Amidst these challenges, Al Jazeera Palestine recently covered the campaign, providing supporters with a significant boost. This marks another instance of ARMYs mobilising for a cause, reminiscent of their remarkable contribution to the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, where they matched BTS's generous donation of USD 1 million.

محبو فناني HYBE الكورية يطالبون بوقف دعمها للاحتلال الإسرائيلي#فيديو #حرب_غزة pic.twitter.com/20OHoNkSdO

— الجزيرة فلسطين (@AJA_Palestine) February 23, 2024

Through their activism, ARMYs continue to uphold the message of BTS's music, demonstrating a commitment to social justice and global solidarity.