While BTS are idols in the hearts of ARMYs, fans also show great interest in the members’ families, even though most of them are not public figures. What may begin as simple curiosity about their idols’ family members often develops into genuine respect and sincere support over time.
ARMYs not only consistently speak positively about the parents and siblings of the superstars, and remind one another to protect them on social media, but also actively show enthusiastic support for businesses run by the idols’ families. From Jin and his brother’s נαραиese restaurant, to Jimin’s family café, and even the stylish, trendy café in Seoul owned by RM’s younger sister, many of their customers are ARMYs. Of course, their ability to retain customers is also largely due to the excellent quality of service they provide.
When it comes to the fashion and beauty industry, j-hope’s sister, Jiwoo, is undoubtedly one of the most prominent figures within the fandom. Even before being publicly known as “j-hope’s sister,” Jiwoo had already built a strong reputation as a highly influential figure in the field. With continued support from ARMYs over time, her brands and personal profile have only grown more prominent. Jiwoo currently runs several well-loved brands, including FUN THE MENTAL (eyewear), Neaf Neaf (masks and beauty products), and the online clothing store MEJIWOO.
In addition to her role as a CEO, Jiwoo is also a leading influencer in the industry, with over 10 million followers on Instagram and 2.4 million subscribers on her YouTube channel. Notably, Mejiwoo’s YouTube channel is highly popular both in South кσяєα and internationally, especially her lifestyle vlogs, which consistently attract significant attention.
However, in an Instagram post on the 21st, she υиєχρє¢тє∂ly announced an indefinite hiatus from uploading vlogs on her personal YouTube channel, leaving fans deeply disappointed. In a lengthy message, she wrote:
“Everyone~ I posted a notice about taking a break from my YouTube channel last month, but to be honest, I still don’t have any plans or a specific timeline for when I’ll resume making videos. I did say that I would try to come back before the weather gets warmer, but at this point, I can’t give a definite answer about that either…ㅠㅠ
Right now, I don’t think I have the time or capacity to film any videos at all, even vlogs. This is a period where I’m thinking a lot about what would be the healthiest choice for myself, so I hope you can understand… I wonder if I’m being too honest.
Some people suggested things like, ‘If there’s no New Year vlog, you could film a Lunar New Year vlog and upload it later,’ or ‘At least you could film soмєтнing at the end of the year, like what you’re up to.’ But if I did that, it would feel like I’m not truly taking a proper break, and that makes me feel pressured.
Right now, aside from YouTube, I also have many personal matters that require more of my focus, as well as a lot of work-related responsibilities that I need to handle more carefully and seriously, so I hope you, my dear Jjuragi, can be gentler and more understanding with me…”
This update saddened Jiwoo’s fans as well as ARMYs who regularly follow her, as it means they will likely be unable to enjoy her comforting and engaging vlogs for at least the next six months. For many, her videos felt like a daily source of emotional comfort. However, as Jiwoo explained, this is a period of overwhelming busyness during which she simply cannot produce content, and she also needs proper rest — soмєтнing fans genuinely understand.
In particular, when Jiwoo emphasized, “This is a period where I’m thinking a lot about what would be the healthiest choice for myself,” fans were reminded of the wave of toxic rumors and intrusive speculation she has faced regarding pregnancy. Since June of this year, Jiwoo has repeatedly received comments on YouTube and Instagram asking whether she is pregnant, questioning why she exercises or runs if she is pregnant, and even making speculative claims about miscarriage. Even after Jiwoo clarified her situation and asked people to stop making such inappropriate comments, similar questions have continued to this day.
In the same Instagram Q&A series accompanying her hiatus announcement, another intrusive fan once again asked whether she had plans to have a child. Reading Jiwoo’s words — “Since last year, I’ve said that I do have plans for a second child,” “I’m also making efforts little by little in the most natural way possible. I believe that when the right time comes, the baby will find their way to me on their own. I even find myself imagining just how adorable the baby would be,” and “That said, even my close friends don’t ask me questions like ‘Are you pregnant yet?’, ‘Did you do IVF?’, ‘Do you drink alcohol?’, or ‘Do you exercise?’ So when I see questions like these, I can’t help but frown, and it’s honestly uncomfortable,” — fans could clearly understand just how difficult this sensitive period has been for her.
For a woman who deeply wishes to conceive but is going through a challenging phase, such questions can be emotionally painful and mentally exhausting. Fans speculate that this may be one of the key reasons behind Jiwoo’s decision to step away from vlogging — to protect her mental well-being and prepare herself for pregnancy in a healthier way. With this understanding, fans have expressed their full support for her decision and promised to patiently wait for good news and her eventual return.
