BTS‘s Jungkook recently traveled to New York for his co-headlining performance at the 2023 Global Citizen Festival, which is held annually to “call on world and corporate leaders to make commitments to end extreme poverty.”
While Jungkook’s performance impressed viewers and ARMYs worldwide, ARMYs weren’t impressed with the unsafe conditions Jungkook was subjected to just days before.
The BTS maknae arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on September 21. After he landed, he was mobbed by waiting crowds, causing unsafe conditions for himself, accompanying staff members, and other passengers.
Just call him ‘BRO’ and he’ll turn to you
#jungkook #JungKook_Seven #JungKookOnGlobalCitizen pic.twitter.com/82805IXfWu
— innv ✦˚. (@innthv) September 21, 2023
ARMYs expressed their concern and outrage for BTS’s Jungkook due to the behavior of the crowds, calling out the inappropriate behavior while referencing instances of Jungkook addressing similar situations in the past.
for everyone who thinks jungkook told us to “hi bro” him at the airport, i hope this helps pic.twitter.com/dxkFYYOnLb
— Mina⁷
³ᵈ ʟᴀʏᴏ(ꪜ)ᴇʀ (@serotaenin7) September 22, 2023
The BTS member recently returned to Korea after his New York schedules, and as usual, various media outlets set up their cameras at the airport hours before his arrival, with many livestreaming the event.
One of the media outlets present was Dispatch, and its livestream earned special attention from ARMYs.
During Dispatch‘s livestream, the well-known Korean media outlet showed what appeared to be a fan project created with the hope of making Jungkook’s arrival at the airport a safer experience.
Taped on the floor by areas where media and fans stood were laminated papers that had statements written in English and Korean, urging those at the airport to give Jungkook space
Dear ARMY!
Please respect Jungkook’s privacy and give him space.
Don’t run towards him. Let’s show our love and kindness together.
Jungkook loves us.
Thank you for your understanding— Letters at the airport
ARMYs quickly noticed the letters featured on Dispatch‘s livestream. While many shared their appreciation to the fellow ARMYs who started the fan project and Dispatch‘s efforts to spread the message, many others couldn’t help but react to the irony that Dispatch, who livestreams airport arrivals and follows artists outside their official schedules, was broadcasting the letters.
ARMYs pointed out that, rather than having to ask for safe conditions for the BTS members at the airport, those wanting to see him should stay home, or appear at official schedules.
Other fans criticized Dispatch and other media outlets that publicize idols’ flight schedules and broadcast airport livestreams, encouraging inappropriate behavior from crowds.
this is cute but they should stay at home anyway
— 아포방포⁷٠ᵇʸ ʲᵏ٠ʰᵒᵖᵉ ᵉᵈⁱᵗⁱᵒⁿ ࣪⭑ˡᵃʸᵒ⁽ꪜ⁾ᵉʳ⭑³ᴰ (@iam__army18) September 25, 2023
but unfortunately the media themselves that selling the flight information to the people including sasaengs & fansites so they’re coming to the airport.. the crowd is getting worse they have no shame
— ✩ri (@jeonadlibs) September 25, 2023
Well, if Dispatch post about airport departures/arrivals on YT a few hours before the actual hour, there are bound to be ppl who would run there. Just sayin’.
— ⟭⟬ MbokeTannies⁷ ʟᴀʏᴏ(ꪜ)ᴇʀ is Here!
(@LJoeliani) September 25, 2023
you know its bad with the crowding at airports when dispatch has to remind you to respect jungkook’s privacy and space… pic.twitter.com/ixQyCXxPby
— mayrah⁷₁₃
(@nochujimi) September 25, 2023
Read more about the mobbing incident at John F. Kennedy International Airport below.
