MBC has come under fire from BTS fans after a recent episode of the popular variety show Where is My Home featured a photo of the group missing member Suga.
During the most recent episode, the hosts discussed ASTRO‘s Cha Eunwoo and BTS after one of the guest stars mentioned being friends with both.
However, when BTS was mentioned, an image of the group was shown that only included six of the members, omitting Suga. The photo was taken from the group’s BE era, a time when Suga was on hiatus due to shoulder surgery.
Fans quickly noticed the omission and took to social media to express their dissatisfaction, sparking the hashtag #BTS_IS_7 on X (formerly known as Twitter). Many criticized MBC for using an incomplete picture of BTS, emphasizing that all seven members are equally important. They demanded that the network issue a public apology for what they described as a disrespectful act toward Suga and the group.
As of now, MBC has not released a statement addressing the situation.
I-ARMYs and K-ARMYs stand together in our resolve for BTS to always remain as 7. We demand that Korean Media correct the misinformation about this issue. #ARMYStandsWithSuga #ARMYisOne #BTS_IS_7 pic.twitter.com/dRI8a0tJVP
— paula⁷ (@sugatheartist) September 1, 2024
This controversy follows another recent incident where Suga was mosaiced out of group footage when discussing the boy group.
tvN Mosaics BTS’s Suga On Broadcast, Apology Demanded
Meanwhile, KBS — another South Korean broadcaster — revealed that they plan to decide on whether to hold a “Broadcast Appearance Review Committee” meeting when discussing the possibility of Suga being banned from the channel.
KBS Comments On Possibility of BTS’s Suga Being Banned From The Channel
These incidents occurred following Suga’s recent DUI case. On August 6, 2024, the BTS star was found intoxicated while riding an electric scooter. Police found Suga after he had fallen off the vehicle in front of his apartment complex and tested him for alcohol intoxication at the local station — where he was found to have been over the limit.
BTS Suga’s DUI Case: A Full Breakdown