BTS member J-Hope has sparked mixed reactions online after making a heartfelt remark about Peru during the group’s recent concert in Lima.
The singer praised the country’s enthusiastic fanbase, telling the audience that Peru was where BTS was loved the most in the world.
While the comment delighted many local fans, others questioned whether it was a genuine expression of appreciation or an attempt to ease tensions surrounding the group’s visit.
The controversy emerged during BTS’s three-concert stop in Peru as part of the group’s ongoing ‘ARIRANG’ world tour.
Although the shows brought unforgettable moments for the group’s Latin American fanbase, the visit also attracted attention because of large crowds gathering outside the members’ hotel and concerns about their privacy.
The situation became particularly sensitive after leader RM addressed the crowds in a message on Weverse.
His request prompted debate among fans, with some in South America feeling singled out.
Against this backdrop, J-Hope’s words during the concert quickly became a topic of discussion across social media.
J-Hope’s Praise for Peruvian ARMY Divides Fans
During BTS’s concert in Lima on October 9, J-Hope addressed the audience in Spanish and delivered a message that immediately excited the crowd.
“THIS IS THE COUNTRY THAT LOVES BTS THE MOST IN THE WORLD,” he said, expressing his appreciation for the Peruvian fans who had gathered to see the group perform.
The remark received an enthusiastic response inside the venue, with many fans celebrating the acknowledgment as a special moment during BTS’s first concerts in Peru.
However, the comment also prompted skepticism among some international fans.
As clips of the moment circulated online, certain users questioned whether J-Hope had made the statement to reassure Peruvian supporters following the controversy surrounding RM’s earlier message.
Some commenters suggested that the timing made the praise appear like an effort to repair the relationship between BTS and its South American fanbase.
Others defended J-Hope, arguing that he was simply expressing gratitude to the audience in front of him.
The contrasting reactions highlighted how a positive concert moment can take on different meanings when viewed against an ongoing online dispute.
For many Peruvian ARMY members, however, J-Hope’s words remained a memorable expression of affection.
His effort to communicate in Spanish and acknowledge the audience helped create a personal connection during the performance.
RM’s Hotel-Crowd Controversy Adds Context to the Backlash
The reactions to J-Hope’s comment followed a separate controversy involving crowds gathering outside BTS’s hotel in Lima.
During the group’s stay, large numbers of fans reportedly assembled near the accommodation, creating persistent noise and raising concerns about privacy and rest for the members, staff, and other hotel guests.
RM addressed the situation through Weverse, thanking fans for their enthusiasm while asking them not to gather outside the group’s hotel.
He also extended his request to other destinations on the tour, emphasizing the importance of respecting the members’ privacy and allowing them to rest before performances.
Although the message focused on the disruption caused by the crowds, some Peruvian and other Latin American fans felt hurt by the attention given to their region.
They pointed out that similar incidents involving large crowds around celebrities can occur in different countries.
RM subsequently addressed the controversy during BTS’s October 9 concert in Lima.
He clarified that his message was not directed exclusively at Peru or Latin America, noting that similar situations had occurred in other parts of the world.
He also emphasized that BTS did not discriminate against fans based on nationality.
His explanation was welcomed by many supporters, although it did not end all online criticism.
The debate surrounding J-Hope’s remark reflects the wider tensions that developed during the Peru tour stop.
While some fans interpreted his words as a sincere tribute to the local audience, others viewed them through the lens of the recent controversy.
Ultimately, the incident demonstrates how closely BTS’s public interactions are scrutinized by its global fandom.
Despite the disagreements online, the group’s three sold-out concerts in Peru attracted approximately 155,000 fans, underscoring the enthusiasm surrounding its first performances in the country.
