BTS Suga Samples Speech of US Cult Leader → Controversy Over Inappropriate Remarks Related to COVID-19 (Summary)

Idol group BTS's Suga / Photo by Naver V Live broadcast screen capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] Suga (27, real name Min Yoon-gi), a member of the idol group BTS, is facing controversy for making careless remarks related to COVID-19, following the inclusion of the speech of an American cult leader in his newly released mixtape.

On the 22nd, Suga released his second mixtape, 'D-2.' The intro of the track "How Do You Think?" features the speech of American cult leader James Warren Jim Jones, which sparked controversy.

Cult leader Jim Jones forced his followers to commit mass suicide by poison in November 1978. It is reported that around 900 followers lost their lives in this incident.

In response, on the 31st of last month, BTS's agency Big Hit apologized, stating, "Through our internal process of reviewing various content aimed at a global audience, we check for content that could be socially, culturally, or historically problematic. However, in this case, we failed to recognize it beforehand and lacked understanding of the related historical and social context."

Additionally, on the 29th of last month, Suga discussed 'D-2' during a Naver V Live broadcast.

Suga said, "Originally, I planned to complete the album with 10 tracks by including 'Skit' and 'Interlude' instrumentals instead of 'Daechwita' and 'Set Me Free.'"

He continued, "It is a fortune brought by COVID-19. Not because of COVID-19, but thanks to COVID-19. If I had been on tour, I probably wouldn't have been able to shoot the music video," which caused controversy.

Suga's remarks were criticized as inappropriate given the difficult situation worldwide with many deaths caused by COVID-19.

Since BTS has participated in COVID-19 related 'Thanks Challenge' and other activities, sending supportive messages to medical staff and the public, the controversy over Suga's remarks being careless intensified.

Meanwhile, Big Hit has yet to release any official statement regarding the controversy over these remarks.