Jin and Coldplay’s Chris Martin have shared a close friendship spanning several years since their first collaboration on the My Universe project in 2021. From their very first meeting, Jin couldn’t hide his fanboy excitement, striking up a conversation with Chris Martin by complimenting his guitar: “When just the two of us were in the studio, I said to him, ‘Hey, your guitar’s cool.’ I mean, I’m such a big fan. Honestly, everything about him is cool.”

But surprisingly, “he suddenly handed the guitar over, saying it was a gift,” and the two took a commemorative photo with it—marking the beginning of their cross-border friendship.

Beyond this keepsake, what is even more admirable in this friendship is that both consistently express mutual admiration, encouragement, and wholehearted support. During the recording of The Astronaut—a song personally composed by Chris Martin at Jin’s request—Coldplay’s creative director praised Jin’s singing sкιℓℓs, especially the raw and emotional quality of the BTS superstar’s voice.

The talent and friendship between the two are undeniable! Yet some have tried to undermine their friendship or, even worse, seek fame by disrespectfully comparing the two. Surprisingly, those individuals were vocalist Richard Fink IV and musician Johnny Cummings—prominent figures in the US-UK music scene!

Specifically, in a conversation between the two, they listened together to Jin and Chris Martin’s live performance of The Astronaut. Richard Fink IV then remarked, “We just listened to Jin singing live with Chris Martin. Do you know who was off-key? It was Chris. Chris went off-key about fifty times in the first song, while Jin remained completely steady without any vocal effects. Jin can truly sing,” while Johnny Cummings laughed along.

As soon as the video was spread on X, it sparked outrage among fans of both artists due to this rude comment. Jin’s stable live vocals are certainly commendable, but even ARMYs disagreed with the way Chris Martin was belittled.

Fans pointed out that the performance had received tremendous admiration at the moment both took the stage, from both the live au∂ιєnce and online viewers. Claiming that Chris went off-key multiple times was seen as a sensational exaggeration. Meanwhile, praising Jin should not come at the expense of lowering Chris Martin.

Many were even sensitive to the hosts’ compliment toward Jin, interpreting it as sarcasm due to the tone of surprise when acknowledging his vocal ability. Clearly, Jin’s singing talent has been consistently demonstrated throughout his 12-year career with BTS and has been highly regarded by professionals and industry experts alike.

Fans also expressed that such insinuations could tarnish the goodwill between the two artists. On X, both ARMYs and Coldplayers reacted strongly, calling for these two figures to show respect toward the artists they used as content for judgment:

- There could have been other ways to get views for these podcasters,don't shade somebody to ruin a good friendship :) (although creators like you try this every other day and they couldn't care less)

- I mean it’s nice they compliment Jin but the disrespect towards Chris doesn’t sit right with me. Idk which performance they were talking about but, in all the joint performances I’ve seen, Chris was not off key like 50 times. They’re exaggerating and I don’t like the attitude

- Please don’t… even if it’s praising Jin. They seemed to sabotage their friendship

- Off key or not COLDPLAY will always be COLDPLAY one of the best and so grateful they are friends with BTS

- "Jin can truly sing" no sh*t, what do you think he's been doing for the past 12yrs? ofc that man can sing! what a backhanded compliment

- I don't like this kind of "compliment" "He really can sing" They ALWAYS seem ѕнσ¢кed about that fact wich makes me wonder what they think he was doing all these years?

- I don't blame Chris. Even BTS themselves complain about Jin's high notes.

- Jin’s live vocals are amazing, but there’s no need to drag Chris Martin down. Respect both artists!

- Fans are loving the performance, and Chris did an incredible job. Those ‘off-key’ claims are completely exaggerated

- It’s really ѕнσ¢кing that celebrities like them can show absolutely no respect for two fellow artists. Totally disappointing

- Honestly, I never expected people in the industry to act this way—no respect at all for the talent and friendship of Jin and Chris