‘I don’t think I was wrong, but…’ BTS’ Jung Kook apologizes for controversial livestream
BTS' Jung Kook / Captured from Weverse
BTS member Jung Kook has addressed his controversial “explicit livestream” — a day before his group kicks off its highly anticipated world tour.
Jung Kook went live on the fan platform Weverse Wednesday, speaking publicly about the incident for the first time in over two months.
“I personally don’t really know if I did something seriously wrong. People on YouTube or streaming industry say these things all the time,” he said. “But since I haven’t shown this side of myself before, some fans may have felt uncomfortable. If any ARMY felt that way, I want to say I’m sorry. I’ll try to be more careful.”
The controversy stems from a late-night livestream on Feb. 26, when Jung Kook appeared to have been drinking with friends and speaking candidly — at times using profanity and making blunt remarks. Clips from the broadcast quickly spread online, sparking debate among fans over idol image and authenticity.
Reflecting on that night, Jung Kook said, “I was just in a really good mood. For people who are quick to criticize everything, I don’t have much to say.”
BTS' Jung Kook / Captured from Weverse
At the same time, he repeatedly emphasized his sincerity toward fans. “I think you know how I feel about ARMY. I try to do well because of you,” he said. “I can’t say I’m a perfect or flawless person, but I’ve always been genuine with you. That’s why I still wanted to apologize.”
He added, “I don’t know how I might act in the future. I do have boundaries — I won’t commit crimes or do anything truly bad — but I’m human, so things like that can happen sometimes. If it makes you uncomfortable, please point it out. I’ll listen and reflect.”
Jung Kook also clarified his stance, saying, “I don’t think what I did was wrong. There were also many people who enjoyed it. But since ARMY is diverse, some may have felt uncomfortable, so I wanted to apologize for that.”
BTS' Jung Kook / Captured from Weverse
During the February livestream, Jung Kook openly discussed personal topics, including his past smoking habit. “I’m 30 now — can’t I talk about it?” he said. “I used to smoke a lot, but I worked hard to quit. But if I say this, my company will probably make a fuss again.” He added, “Even me acting like this while drunk is part of who I am. I want to speak freely without worrying about the company.”
He also drew criticism at the time for making obscene gestures toward a friend and shouting English profanity on camera. When some viewers expressed concern in real time, he responded, “Why should I end the livestream? I wish people wouldn’t tell me what to do.”
After the broadcast, he posted a selfie and said, “I’ll work hard when I come back. I’ll live my way now, so please support me.”
The timing of his remarks has added to the buzz, as BTS is set to launch its world tour “ARIRANG” on April 9 at Goyang Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. The tour — spanning Korea, Japan, North America and Europe — has already sold out all 46 shows, highlighting the group’s continued global demand.
The idol's latest livestream has fueled wider online discussion about shifting expectations for K-pop idols, with some fans praising Jung Kook’s honesty while others continue to debate where the line should be drawn.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.