In recent years, Starbucks has seemingly become a sensitive topic for many K-pop fans, especially those who support Palestine. Once seen as a symbol of modern lifestyle and sophisticated coffee culture — an image that aligns well with K-pop idols — the brand has ironically turned into a lightning rod for criticism. Most idols seen with drinks from the αмєяι¢αn coffee chain often find themselves at the center of public backlash.

Notable names such as Somi, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, IVE’s Gaeul, Super Junior’s Siwon, and LE SSERAFIM’s Yunjin have all faced controversy after posting photos featuring Starbucks beverages.

But perhaps the unluckiest ones were the members of NCT, who announced an official collaboration with the brand in May last year. Within just one month, over 8 million fans unfollowed the group’s official accounts. The backlash was so intense that the partnership came to an end in just two months.

Starbucks has been boycotted by a portion of global consumers largely due to rumors, misunderstandings, and indirect αѕѕociations with political issues. Among the most significant triggers are past political statements by former CEO Howard Schultz and the company’s lawsuit against a workers' union that posted in support of Palestine.

Because of these deep-rooted perceptions, any idol seen holding a Starbucks cup is quickly labeled as "politically insensitive," even when they appear in someone else's photo by coincidence. And now, Jungkook is the next idol caught in this storm.

On July 29th, bodybuilder and fitness trainer Ma Sun Ho shared a photo on his personal Instagram taken at the gym with Jungkook. However, the image quickly went viral when fans noticed that BTS’s main vocalist was holding a Starbucks coffee cup.

Many netizens immediately criticized the singer, accusing him of being irresponsible given his global influence, and failing to learn from the backlash other idols had faced. The wave of criticism intensified with calls for him to "take responsibility," suggesting he should apologize or make a statement for what was seen as inadvertently promoting the brand.

Some even demanded that Jungkook educate himself about the Starbucks boycott like "Jungkook we urge you to educate yourself on this matter! Please don’t be ignorant!". Meanwhile, some fans expressed deep disappointment upon seeing their idol using a beverage from the brand.

However, not everyone agreed with the outrage. ARMYs — BTS’s fandom — and many other netizens spoke up in defense of Jungkook, pointing out that Starbucks is not listed by the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement, and thus not an official boycott target. Furthermore, there is no verified evidence that Starbucks provides direct financial support to Israel or military operations in Gaza.

Additionally, the company itself had publicly denied any financial ties to the Israeli military or government at the time of the NCT controversy. In a statement emailed to кσяєαboo on June 4, 2024, Starbucks declared: "We do not provide financial support to any government or military, including Israel."

Some have further argued that the culture of “hunting and criticizing idols” has gone too far — especially considering the personal nature of this image, which was a casual moment at the gym with no commercial intent. Expecting idols to make political statements through every single consumer choice may be unreasonable, and the controversy surrounding K-pop idols and Starbucks should be put to rest now that the brand has clearly addressed the issue.

Below are some comments from netizens and fans:

- I don't understand why people have to apologize for everything they do, let him go, HE IS A HUMAN BEING, I can swear he is not aware of the problem because he is just enjoying himself

- for the people who are saying anything on this app for likes and spreading defamation and lying on jungkook’s name, starbucks korea is not affiliated with israel nor do they even fund them.

- Is there anything these knetz don't have an issue with? Bunch of control fяєαкs.. trying to control everyone's lives like we're puppets.. always nitpicking everything Let Jk drink his coffee in peace.. whether you hate Starbucks is none of his business.. let him breathe

- Not that I care what he does or does not drink but I think it's very important to realize that Starbucks wasn't on the boycott list because of any support for Israel. It was for union-related issues...

- You already know where you can shove your criticisms, you’re ridiculous, you won’t bring down their numbers like that, don’t even bother, sh*tty haters.

- The truth is that they criticize for the sake of criticizing, let them live and live their lives, what a way to screw everyone over.

- Starbucks isn't even on the official BDS boycott list. It's unfair to hold Jungkook accountable for soмєтнing based on misinformation

- He was just holding a drink at the gym, not promoting the brand. Not everything an idol does should be treated as a political statement

- Jungkook has never made a political comment — this was clearly a casual moment, and the hate is completely unnecessary

- People need to stop expecting idols to be perfect political figures. He's human, and drinking a coffee shouldn’t lead to a public trial