In 2026, the world witnessed a historic musical moment as BTS officially returned with their fifth full-length studio album and a world tour spanning more than 79 shows across 34 cities worldwide. кσяєαn media unanimously hailed it as “the return of the kings of K-pop.”
CNN commented, “BTS, who played a crucial role in transforming K-pop into a global cultural phenomenon, is back.” NME selected BTS’s upcoming release as one of the “most anticipated album releases of 2026,” predicting, “Expect this comeback to be mαѕѕive.” All of this reaffirmed the group’s unrivaled and unshakable status on the global music map.
The immense success and dazzling spotlight BTS enjoys today are undeniable sources of pride for fans. However, it must not be forgotten that the recognition, respect, and admiration they receive now are the result of a long journey filled with hardship, struggle, and humiliation. No one can forget that in their early debut days, BTS endured disdain and ridicule not only from the public but also from within the industry itself—simply because they were rookies from a small company with limited financial resources and no name recognition.
As memories of the past resurfaced, an old video suddenly went viral on social media, capturing an incident in which SUGA was allegedly “bullied” by a senior idol less than four months after BTS’s debut. In the footage, the idol can be seen engaging in physically aggressive behavior toward SUGA—pushing his head down, wrapping both hands around his neck as if choking him, and even sitting on SUGA’s shoulders.
At first, it appeared as though he was merely acting out what he was saying, but as the moment progressed, his behavior became increasingly excessive and rude. Simply watching him grab SUGA’s neck with both hands was enough to make viewers feel suffocated, not to mention the moment when he hooked his legs around SUGA’s neck and sat on him. Despite all this, SUGA continued to smile and endure the situation.
Meanwhile, several camera angles captured the reactions of the other members. While viewers could clearly see the discomfort and anger on RM and V’s faces as they watched their hyung being mistreated without being able to intervene, the remaining members repeatedly glanced toward SUGA with visible concern.
The reason SUGA and the other BTS members could only stand by and endure this rude behavior without responding was that the individual involved was Danny Im (Taebin), a member of the senior group 1TYM. Born in 1980, Danny Im was considered a highly respected sunbae (senior) at the time and even an ideal role model for rapper idols. Moreover, the program BTS appeared on was “Danny From LA (DFLA)” as part of KCON 2014, held in Los Angeles on August 10, 2014—meaning Danny was the main host of the show.
Given their status as unknown rookies who had debuted only four months earlier, there was realistically no way for them to push back against a veteran idol at an event centered around him!
Rewatching this footage, fans were brought to tears and expressed their anguish, saying: “I'm sorry, but as for me, this is some kind of humiliation! What does the presenter allow himself? And this is SUGA's forced smile,” “It’s still abuse to me though,” “Who тнє нєℓℓ was that—the audacity of that man to do that to a younger person,” “Poor Yoongi,” “What is he doing? V looks so mad, and the leader too, but he can do nothing,” “I still remember it clearly, and it still hurts—there was a time when BTS were in a position where anyone could вυℓℓу them, and they didn’t dare to fιgнт back,” …
SUGA’s story was not the only instance in which BTS were marginalized during their rookie years. Fans have not forgotten the incident in which the youngest member, Jungkook, was disrespected by comedian Jo Se-ho on the program Flower Crew. At the time, Jungkook enthusiastically bought the best burgers to treat the cast, only for Jo Se-ho to bluntly refuse them, saying they looked like “leftovers,” leaving the young idol standing there in silence.
In another instance, Nate Walka, a Grammy-winning artist who served as a key mentor on BTS’s αмєяι¢αn Hustle Life, recalled: “At this time, there was this writing camp for EXO going on. I believe EXO had a number one record at the time, and their camp was trying to get me to not do the show and come and work with EXO.”
The musician did not stop there. He went on to describe the widespread skepticism surrounding BTS in their early days, noting that many industry insiders viewed the group as a temporary experiment. “They were saying, ‘BTS, they’re not…’” he continued. “Believe it or not, there was a lot of doubters of them, saying they felt like it was an experiment and that it wasn’t going to— they were calling them a filler kind of group.”
Looking back on everything the group has endured, fans cannot help but feel heartbroken yet deeply moved by BTS’s unwavering resilience. From young men who were bullied and looked down upon, they rose to become global icons—responding to past injustices not with resentment, but with talent, integrity, and kindness. Everything BTS has achieved today is a well-earned reward for their relentless effort, extraordinary talent, and unwavering character.
