BTS Jungkook‘s influence and popularity have shocked fans ahead of his performance in the US, but not everyone is happy with ARMYs’ dedication.
Jungkook has been teasing fans with what they can expect when he releases his solo single “SEVEN” later in the month. Unsurprisingly, the idol has sent the internet into meltdown with the concept photos.
On July 7, it was announced that Jungkook was kicking off his solo promotions in style by performing at the GMA Summer Concert series on July 14. Unsurprisingly, the ticket sales didn’t even last a minute, with fans trying to have a chance to watch Jungkook perform his song for the first time.
JULY 14: Get ready, #BTSARMY! Jung Kook is kicking off our GMA Summer Concert series LIVE from Central Park on July 14! https://t.co/aEFIgFrMbB #JungKookOnGMA
pic.twitter.com/G0eVXRuRWJ
— Good Morning America (@GMA) July 7, 2023
A clip on social media has gained attention from both international and Korean netizens. In the video, a fan shared that the line of ARMYs waiting to see Jungkook at the concert is already started, and with fifty people, five days before the show.
the line for Jungkook’s concert series has started. there has to be AT LEAST 50 people here (that are present) in line at central park pic.twitter.com/yuHc3iDEVa
— maria⁷ IS SEEING JUNGKOOK (@J00NSBFF) July 10, 2023
Yet, while the video undoubtedly showed Jungkook’s influence and how passionate ARMYs are about getting the best spots to watch the idol perform (even signaling how a tour needs to happen)…
The line for jungkook in GMA concert has started before by 3 days !!!
Dude the tour is a must we all hungry for him
— ﾐ ♡ ﾐ (@ayjk97) July 10, 2023
Not everyone was impressed with the fans’ “dedication.” In particular, considering the performance is not until the end of the week, it meant that many of the fans would be waiting for four days outside. At first, many fans complained about the new “queuing culture” for concerts.
No matter whether they are K-Pop or Western artists, queues have become the norm, with many queuing up so far in advance and causing anxiety for others in regard to their place at the concert, especially those who cannot take time off.
concert culture has got to fckng change. like I get u wanna see them up close to capture them in video but this just spikes everyone’s anxiety which then leads to lining up early. I get that life isn’t fair but if yall keep this up, future concerts will be even worse https://t.co/WoIxU88mk3
— (J)H
PE ⁷ ᵇʸ ʲᵏ (@jjkuchis) July 11, 2023
praying that bts next world tour has assigned seating for floor bc i’m not doing this with y’all .i already had headache with my d-day tour date with camping i can’t do it no more https://t.co/6ABBPJi4j5
— keke⁷ ᵇʸ ʲᵏ🤍 (@stallseok) July 11, 2023
Yet, the main concerns came with safety and hygiene. Many ARMYs shared a video of Jungkook explaining how sensitive he is to strong smells.
It meant that, although fans had funny jokes and memes about it, ARMYs raised concerns for Jungkook if he was met with a crowd of fans who hadn’t bathed and had been in the heat queuing for a long time. The smell would undoubtedly be strong, and with the weather continuing to heat up and concerts known for huge crowds squashed together, it wouldn’t be pleasant.
jungkook when he goes on stage and the whole crowd raises their arms pic.twitter.com/aXdVuHCZTU https://t.co/vJJ00OH060
— POP NEWS (@ggukvodoo) July 10, 2023
my baby’s sensitive to smell WHY would u do this 2 him https://t.co/MFSFgIVpXl pic.twitter.com/yHnMoZS6e7
— v-luvr⁷ ᵇʸ ʲᵏ (@sanvantes) July 10, 2023
Others pointed out their concerns for the general safety of ARMYs in general. In particular, many pointed out that a body was found in the park where the fans were queuing and how dangerous it could be at work.
ARMYs pls be safe. Someone said there was a body just found in the park
https://t.co/gZOwtTqSeZ
— Aurelia⁷
nah bro that’s crazy
they literally found a body in central park today
— alexis ⁷ (@strawberri_lex) July 10, 2023
While it isn’t surprising that ARMYs want the best chance to see Jungkook up, close and personal, many fans worry that the queuing culture has become unsafe for fans and artists.
