On this day, BTS are preparing for the group’s major comeback with their fifth studio album ARIRANG, set to be released on the 20th. The very next day, the group will hold a one-hour live performance at Gwanghwamun. After that, a series of promotional activities and events for the album are expected to follow. Meanwhile, on April 9, BTS will officially kick off their upcoming world tour, meaning the group’s schedule is almost fully packed for the rest of the year.

At the same time, ARMY around the world are more excited and busy than ever as they prepare to welcome BTS’s return after nearly four years of focusing on individual activities. Excitement has spread throughout the fandom as what is being described as the biggest comeback in the group’s history draws closer by the day. Fans also have plenty of topics related to the album and upcoming events to fuel lively discussions across social media.

However, a negative topic targeting Jungkook recently disrupted that atmosphere. Specifically, on the 17th, several leaked photos surfaced online showing Jungkook spending time with friends at “Jack’s Bar,” a nightlife venue known for its arcade-style video games. According to some accounts, the photos were reportedly shared by the bar’s owner as a way to promote the establishment.

If the photos had merely revealed Jungkook’s whereabouts, there likely would have been little controversy. However, they soon became the source of criticism from a portion of online users directed at the BTS superstar. On Pann, a post that quickly gained attention claimed that Jungkook’s demeanor had changed and argued that the biggest issue was his personality, using the bar photos as supposed evidence.

The poster linked Jungkook’s recent visit to a bar—despite BTS’s imminent comeback—with his controversial livestream last month on Weverse Live to support their claims. The post began: “Jungkook’s vibe has completely changed. Everything, from his looks to his personality. For me, his personality is the biggest problem.”

The OP continued: “He said he couldn’t even go to the dermatologist because he was so busy that he couldn’t manage himself properly, and we all thought he was busy because of work. But now there’s less than a week before the comeback and he’s out drinking at a bar in the middle of the day. And the way he seems to think he’s the king of K-Pop, lol. During a live he literally said that he himself is the center of K-Pop. Isn’t that why someone that arrogant confidently suggested walking the ‘Path of a king?’ Go ahead and try walking it then.”

The post also brought up the album’s visual design: “Also, a lot of people really hated the Arirang logo, right? They said it was too simple and looked like the נαραиese flag. But the moment they found out Jungkook designed it himself, they all shut up. Who knows, maybe it really is because of נαραи. That’s where he runs off to go on dates with his girlfriend, right? Didn’t he wear that ‘Make Tokyo Great Again’ hat last year because of that?”

Following the post, a wave of similar criticism targeting Jungkook appeared in the comments: "Jungkook’s seriously gone crazy", "He seriously lives without caring what anyone thinks. The fact that he’s supposed to walk the ‘king’s path’ in a few days is the final straw", "Is this really the time for you to be acting like this?", "Didn't he say that, he is being abstemious in alcohol consumption?? He evn gave the magazine interview, so all those are lies?? Just like he lied about not having gf in 2023. Just like he is desperately hiding tht couple tatt with winkhia and saying he is ARMYBARAGI?? Shameless", "Whenever I see him he is always at the bar or with different girls every day",...

However, in response to the backlash—largely based on only a few recently taken photos—fans quickly stepped in to defend him. Many argued that the singer should not be criticized simply for spending time with friends and enjoying a casual outing. Others also pointed out that the bar is located near his home in Itaewon, making it a convenient place for him to visit.

Furthermore, fans emphasized that most of the malicious accusations circulating online were unfounded and appeared to be deliberate attempts to damage his reputation during a sensitive time ahead of BTS’s comeback. Contrary to what detractors claim, supporters noted that Jungkook is still working extremely hard alongside the other BTS members and continues to improve his sкιℓℓs even while already at the peak of his career.

Several comments defending Jungkook from ARMY and other netizens were recorded as follows:

- Yeah, he’s totally changed. The main vocalist is now flying around with his dancing too, so people are saying he’s at main dancer level. Since yesterday, TikTok has been going crazy about it. There are plenty of idols who don’t change at all and whose sкιℓℓs just stay the same or even go backwards, but Jeon Jungkook keeps evolving and comes back having grown even more each time, praise to him.

- The mobile comment below is talking complete bullsнιт. He literally said that without ARMY he might have moments of joy and fun, but he could never truly be happy. But you people don’t even watch the full 1.5-hour live, you just look at the short clips antis upload and start spreading that kind of fabricated nonsense. Just get ℓσѕт, you anti вιт¢н.

- Cut it out. Do you never change? You don’t change? Don’t live your life like that.

- He never even said with his own mouth that he’s the center of K-pop, but these people just fabricate stuff like it’s normal, lol. But honestly, Jungkook is the center of K-pop anyway.

- Who would've thought antis will drag a grown αѕѕ man cause he didn't take their permission to sit kpop twt is NOT REAL

- let him live his life, he doesn't owe people anything.. oh wait he's a product, so he belongs to fans, so fans can dictate his private life... or he's not a product and you shouldn't mix his private and public life ?...