In the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, two of the most prominent K-pop groups, BTS and BLACKPINK, find themselves at the center of controversy, prompting their fans to come to their defense amidst a growing social media boycott known as the ‘block out’ movement.
Both BTS and BLACKPINK have achieved immense popularity not only in their native South Korea but also globally, particularly in Western markets. However, their silence on the Israel-Palestine conflict has drawn scrutiny from fans, with divisions emerging within their respective fandoms. While some fans have called for the bands to denounce Zionism and express support for Palestine, others have urged them to remain neutral or focus solely on their music.
Despite mounting pressure, neither BTS nor BLACKPINK has issued any public statements regarding the conflict, leaving their stance ambiguous and further fueling the debate among fans. This lack of clarity has contributed to the polarization within the K-pop community, with supporters of both bands expressing conflicting opinions on social media platforms.
Amidst this controversy, a social media boycott has emerged as part of the ‘block out’ movement, which aims to raise awareness and show solidarity with Palestine. The boycott involves abstaining from engaging with BTS and BLACKPINK’s content on various social media platforms as a form of protest against their perceived silence on the issue.
The ‘block out’ movement underscores the significant influence that K-pop fandoms wield on social media, with fans using their collective power to advocate for causes they believe in. However, the boycott also highlights the challenges faced by artists who navigate complex political issues while balancing their global appeal and maintaining their fan base.
As the Israel-Palestine conflict continues to escalate, the role of public figures, including K-pop idols, in addressing such contentious issues remains a topic of debate. While fans may have differing expectations of their favorite artists, the pressure on BTS and BLACKPINK to take a stance on the conflict underscores the intersection of music, politics, and social activism in the modern age.
BTS and BLACKPINK Targeted in Blockout Calls: Understanding the Backlash
Bisan Owda, a renowned Palestinian journalist recognized with a Peabody Award for her extensive coverage of the Gaza crisis, has taken her activism to Instagram. Joining the #BlockOut2020 campaign, which initially gained traction on TikTok, Owda aims to hold celebrities accountable for their silence amid the Gaza crisis.
On Instagram, Owda shared lists from another account identifying celebrities to block, with notable mentions including K-pop groups BTS and BLACKPINK. Alongside these prominent groups, numerous Western artists such as Selena Gomez, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Taylor Swift, Shakira, Harry Styles, Sydney Sweeney, Lisa (from BLACKPINK) with a separate handle, and Oprah Winfrey were also included.
The #BlockOut2020 campaign serves as a platform for individuals to advocate for greater awareness and action on issues such as the Gaza crisis, urging celebrities to utilize their influence to speak out and support affected communities. Through social media activism, Owda and others are mobilizing audiences to hold public figures accountable for their engagement, or lack thereof, in critical global issues.
Fans reactions
The social media post by the Palestinian journalist ignited a significant uproar, particularly within the K-pop community. The post specifically mentioned BTS, one of the most prominent K-pop groups globally, which had previously faced boycott calls over its management company, HYBE’s, association with Scooter Braun, the CEO of HYBE America, and his statements regarding Palestine.
Despite the ongoing controversies surrounding BTS, fans swiftly mobilized to defend the members of the group, known as the “Dynamite singers.” Fans argued that BTS was unfairly targeted in this instance, emphasizing that the members are not directly involved in business affairs and are currently fulfilling their mandatory military service obligations in South Korea.
Throughout the day, various hashtags such as “We Support BTS,” “We Will Never Leave BTS,” and “We Are with BTS” trended across social media platforms. These hashtags served as a testament to the unwavering loyalty and support of the BTS fandom, showcasing their solidarity with the group amidst the controversy.
The swift and fervent response from fans underscored the deep connection and dedication that BTS inspires among its fanbase, demonstrating their commitment to standing by the group through challenging times. Despite external pressures and criticisms, BTS continues to enjoy immense support from its global fanbase, further solidifying its status as one of the most influential musical acts in the world.
