BTS are among the world’s top K-pop superstars, boasting unparalleled global influence and name recognition. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that many irrelevant figures frequently mention the group as a way to attract mαѕѕive attention. That is precisely why the term “clout-chasing” exists in the dictionary.

ARMYs are well aware that there are countless fame-hungry individuals attempting to ride on BTS’s coattails, and they often choose to ignore them since, at the end of the day, these people are largely insignificant. However, that does not mean they are free to say whatever they want — especially when it comes to making negative remarks about BTS. Any form of insult or defamation should never be tolerated, particularly when it comes from those regarded as the group’s juniors.

On December 14, ARMYs were left outraged after discovering that a newly formed boy group backed by Simon Cowell had made what many described as “ridiculous” remarks about BTS. The backlash stemmed from a short clip taken from Netflix’s Simon Cowell: The Next Act, in which Cruz — one of the seven members — openly mocked BTS’s ability to sell out Wembley Stadium and bluntly labeled the group as “terrible.”

“If BTS can sell out Wembley Stadium in flipping five minutes, we could sell out Pluto in five minutes. Another planet. Nah, I’m serious. They’re terrible,” he said.

These comments were entirely unnecessary and hostile, given that the two groups have absolutely no connection whatsoever. So what was Cruz’s real intention behind making such remarks? According to fans, it was nothing more than a deliberate attempt to spark controversy and draw attention ahead of his group’s debut.

Indeed, he succeeded in grabbing attention by dragging BTS’s name into his inflammatory statement. However, the backlash faced by both him and his group may very well derail an artistic career that has not even had the chance to begin. December 10 was only recently formed through Cowell’s latest project, and none of the members have officially debuted or released a single song. Yet, they have already managed to provoke widespread public disdain by attempting to gain fame in such a contemptible manner.

Moreover, December 10’s remarks further highlight the stark disparity in stature between them and BTS — a group whose scale and legacy they cannot hope to reach. BTS are among the very few Asian acts to have sold out Wembley Stadium within minutes, with a career spanning over a decade, multiple million-selling albums, a global-scale fandom, and cultural influence that extends far beyond music. In contrast, December 10 are still merely dreaming of fame on an uninhabited planet. Using BTS as the butt of mockery does not reflect confidence; rather, it exposes deep insecurity from individuals lacking both credibility and ability.

Additionally, fans are hardly unfamiliar with the publicity tactics employed by groups created under Simon Cowell. In the past, another Cowell-backed boy band, CNCO, also spoke ill of BTS and engaged in яα¢ιѕт behavior by mocking the кσяєαn language during their debut period — once again, in an attempt to gain attention. Needless to say, CNCO completely failed in using such a disgraceful strategy to rise to prominence. They ultimately flopped as though they had never existed in the industry and, years later, were forced to return with a noticeably more humble attitude toward BTS.

For artists, such morally questionable behavior should be deemed unacceptable from the very start. Not only ARMYs but also general netizens are now flocking to criticize posts related to this new group, αѕѕerting that artists like December 10 should be removed from the industry altogether to prevent further negative influence:

- Simon’s new boy group speaking on bts.. LIKE WHO TF ARE YOU?? But congrats, career over before it even started

- This is probably Salmon Cowbell’s strategy to get them the public’s attention. Just ignore them and let them flop in silence

- This is clearly ragebait. They know how big are BTS and how much talking about them bring attention from army by defending them and also from anti who will applauding them for sнιтting on bts. Good or bad this will just put light ont them. Lets ignore. They’re doing it for promo

- No one is supporting them don't worry guys. They flopped before they even had the chance to officially debut.

- The boybands aspiring for BTS' chair in global mainstream are always cocky and shady to them, it's not exclusive to certain kpop boygroups but global. This new band downplaying BTS, disrespecting them and playing that lil "if some koreans could then it we can 100x of that" act, will be billed with the same reality check

- The ŕäċïṩṃ in their tone while comparing themselves to BTS- hopefully "next BTS" theory never happens

- The microaggression in their tone shows exactly why this group exists in the first place

- It's so comforting to know that BTS will be back in 2026 and outshine all those losers who think they're somebody.

- his last attempt at making another bts tanked so bad. i’m giving this bg a few months before they disband 

- You haven't debuted yet, nor performed. You don't PROVE anything yet you are disrespecting other groups who make history and make everyone united

- The group’s only “career” will end right here. What kind of disgusting music could such ignorant juniors possibly produce? It would be best for them to disband before causing any further harm