Many fans already know that **BTS’s latest comeback involves a notable promotional partnership with Netflix. The most prominent event is “BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang,” which will be livestreamed in more than 190 countries—marking the first time Netflix has broadcast a K-pop comeback stage on such a global scale.

However, in this collaboration, the world’s largest film and television streaming platform is not only acting as a broadcasting partner but also as a global promotional partner. In addition to livestreaming BTS’s comeback concert, Netflix has released multiple pieces of content both before and after the album launch to promote it. Ten days earlier, Netflix shook the internet by dropping an official trailer featuring grand scenes set against the backdrop of Gwanghwamun Square.

As the comeback draws closer, Netflix has even mobilized its full resources to promote the return of the K-pop superstars BTS with a video titled “BTS Makes Netflix Dance.”

That is not all. On the 5th, two well-known stars—Arden Cho and Rei Ami—from Netflix’s summer нιт film KPop Demon Hunters personally went on air to “wish BTS a very Golden live event” through a video posted on the official X account.

In the video, Cho and Rei Ami introduced themselves to the members of BTS and shared their excitement about the group’s long-awaited comeback. In their message, the two also thanked BTS for helping make projects like KPop Demon Hunters possible, saying that the film might not have existed if the group had not “paved the way.” They also mentioned the fictional girl group Huntrix from the film, joking that “the Honmoon need some BTS now”.

While many ARMYs were delighted by the praise the two stars gave BTS, a part of their remarks quickly became “controversial content” within the international K-pop fan community. Some people argued that the credit should have been given to a girl group instead. One fan commented: “An entire movie about the power of girl groups for generations and they still find a way to credit men”.

Others claimed that the remark overlooked earlier generations of K-pop artists who also contributed to the development of the industry. The reactions quickly spread across social media, turning what was meant to be a simple promotional message into a topic of debate. Some other negative comments included: "they should’ve supported a female kpop group", "not them setting women's progress back by 100 years", "Every time someone says 'paved the way,' a 2nd gen stan loses their wings. Let’s talk about Big Bang or TVXQ first", "did they forget that huntrix were inspired by bp, aespa, itzy and ive? fym "if you hadn't paved the way"? setting girl groups progress and legacy a thousand years back", "i wonder how much they got paid to say that lmao",...

Witnessing the wave of criticism directed at the KPop Demon Hunters stars, ARMYs felt compelled to speak up in their defense. BTS fans argued that the stars were simply stating “the truth” and were not belittling anyone; rather, they were expressing their support for a true K-pop superstar. In their view, such remarks are natural and positive, and should not be scrutinized to the extreme level seen in the current backlash.

On the other hand, calling BTS the group that “paved the way” is not inaccurate. It is not only Arden Cho or Rei Ami who have said this about the group—many other K-pop artists have acknowledged it as well. Jihyo, the leader of TWICE, once clearly stated in an interview: “We never thought K-pop would become so popular in αмєяι¢α, but because BTS paved the way and gave us an opportunity to become more known, we are very thankful and wish to promote more in the US.”

Jackson Wang of GOT7 once remarked: “BTS opened up the gate for everybody, especially for K-pop I’d say,” while Hoshi from SEVENTEEN also affirmed: “Everyone knows that the K-pop industry was able to advance into the States because of BTS.”

Meanwhile, ARMYs have been leaving numerous strong comments on social media to defend the stars of KPop Demon Hunters:

- Why would they ?Just because they are women, do they have to support people who don't deserve it ? False feminist slogans

- I really can't understand others humor like wdym they are using feminism cards to drag these WOMEN???

- Every word they've uttered is an undisputed fact acknowledged by industry peers, critics, analysts, investors both global and domestic. There would've indeed been no franchise called "K-pop Demon Hunters" if #BTS didn't globalize the K-Wave and made it mainstream in the past decade.

- kpop stans spend all their time discrediting bts impact only for a new kpop idol to come out and say bts paved the way daily i would be mad too

- show me soмєтнing they touched that BTS hasn’t done OR done better. yall cant, and dont even start with the bullsнιт hair colors and lightsticks

- They're mad in qrts cause after yelling ***lazy was the inspiration behind rumi, the writer clocked them, so they still pressed about it

- This proves that real artists have nothing to do with ridiculous wordplay and lies. Whoever denies this truth always turns out to be simple people obsessed with money and fame rather than art—people who jump from one thing to another just to become famous. It never fails