Bold statement: Jungkook’s candid livestream moment has sparked a fierce debate about censorship, honesty, and the pressures of fame. And this is the part most people miss: a lot of fans and critics are watching not just for the drama, but for what it reveals about how far artists can or should go when talking openly in public.
Jungkook, a member of BTS, recently opened up during a livestream on the fan platform Weverse. The session drew attention in Korea after clips surfaced showing him drinking and using strong language in front of fans. The live video, which ran for about 88 minutes, has since been taken down from the app.
During the broadcast, he discussed a range of topics. He talked about BTS’s upcoming album preparations, his history with smoking, and what motivates him to stay active in the demanding world of K-pop. Throughout the stream, he occasionally vented about feeling censored—by audiences or by his agency—over various actions and comments.
At one point he addressed smoking directly: “I want to talk about smoking. I don’t smoke now. But why can’t I talk about it? I’m 30 now.” He added that quitting required a lot of effort and he would like to discuss it more, but feared the company would react strongly. He warned that fellow members might scold him the following day, and that the company would issue statements as well. “I’m someone who wants to be honest, and if I’ve done something wrong, I want to admit it. I can’t talk about it directly, though, because it’s a sensitive issue.”
Beyond personal topics, Jungkook reflected on the nature of his work in K-pop. He said he performs not merely because he’s free to do so, but because of the waiting fans. “I’ve always wanted to be honest with ARMY. Honestly, if it weren’t for the company, I would have said everything.” He added that, as a musician who is also an idol at the center of K-pop, his perspective shifts. If he were simply a solo artist making music, he might not worry as much and would feel freer to speak his mind.
Following the livestream, he posted a message on Weverse encouraging fans to anticipate BTS’s upcoming album, titled “Arirang.” Short clips from the stream circulated widely on social media, with many viewers expressing concern over the profanity and visible drinking. Some fans defended him, worrying about potential friction with his agency.
This incident comes just weeks before BTS plans to release its fifth full-length album on March 20—the group’s first album in nearly four years. The milestone will be followed by an extensive world tour, kicking off with a concert in Goyang, Gyeonggi, on April 9.
Source: Kim Ju-Yeon, JoongAng Daily
