Private KakaoTalk messages exchanged between BTS member V (Kim Tae Hyung) and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin have reportedly been submitted as evidence in a lawsuit involving HYBE, sparking an outpouring of anger from fans worldwide.
On February 20, V addressed the issue through his Instagram Story, writing, “This is nothing more than a portion of an empathetic exchange with an acquaintance in a private conversation. I had no intention of siding with any particular side. I am just somewhat bewildered that this conversation was submitted as evidence in court without my say.”
HYBE also released an official statement through the media the same day, saying, “It was a private conversation with an acquaintance and merely an expression of empathy. We have confirmed that it did not indicate agreement with any specific remarks made by the other party.”
The news spread rapidly on X (formerly Twitter), generating approximately 277,500 posts in a short period of time. International fans voiced strong support for V, repeatedly posting messages such as “Leave Taehyung alone.”
One user, @cwiipa, wrote, “This is absolutely ridiculous. Leave Taehyung alone. Stop using him for your clout,” expressing frustration. Another fan, @taesatzsthv, commented, “Taehyung has never directly spoken out like this before. That means a line was crossed. He’s angry and disappointed about being dragged into an issue that has nothing to do with him.”
Fans were particularly sensitive to the timing, noting that the controversy emerged while V is serving in the military and focusing on his solo activities. A fan with the handle @love4_seven praised his swift response, writing, “It was good that he quickly clarified the facts himself.”
Meanwhile, some fans pointed out issues with the translation of V’s statement. After his use of the Korean word “dang hwang seu reop da” was translated into English as “embarrassed,” fans actively sought to correct the nuance.
User @y00ngipurrs explained, “The word he used does not mean ‘embarrassed.’ It’s closer to ‘taken aback,’ ‘unsettled,’ or ‘disturbed.’ He wasn’t ashamed of what he said — he was expressing discomfort over his private conversation being submitted without consent. There’s a big difference.”
Fans emphasized the importance of accurately conveying the emotional nuance of V’s message, underscoring their efforts to protect the integrity of his statement amid the ongoing controversy.
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