Although BTS are currently off-stage, their name continues to be entangled in K-pop controversies. This time, the focus is on ‘Boys Planet II’ trainee Peng Jin Yu. He has come under fire for performing Jungkook’s hit song ‘Seven’, despite a resurfaced history of making disparaging remarks about BTS and other idols.
Fans discovered old Weibo posts allegedly showing Peng criticising Jungkook, as well as members of TWICE and Aespa.
On June 12, Peng was introduced as an independent contestant on Mnet’s ‘Boys Planet II’. But rather than generating excitement, his appearance prompted immediate backlash. Alongside clips of his audition and performances, screenshots of previous social media activity began circulating. It revealed a pattern of hate-filled posts, particularly directed at Jungkook and female idols from TWICE and Aespa.
What further angered fans was Peng’s reputation as a dedicated BLACKPINK supporter, or BLINK. While being a fan isn’t inherently problematic, accusations have surfaced that Peng used his fan account to share anti-BTS content during periods of heightened BLINK vs. ARMY tensions.
Among the posts was one allegedly comparing Aespa members to dogs, and another mocking TWICE’s Tzuyu over the Taiwan flag incident, labelling the group as pro-Taiwan independence.
The backlash was swift. Many fans pointed out the contradiction between Peng’s past behaviour and his decision to perform Jungkook’s ‘Seven’. They accused him of exploiting BTS’s popularity for personal gain. Making matters worse, he has yet to publicly address the controversy, with reports stating he offered only a private apology via direct message to a single fan.
As ‘Boys Planet II’ continues to attract viewers, fans are calling on both Mnet and Peng to take responsibility.
Many internet users urged the BTS fandom to remain vigilant and to continue holding to account those who attempt to benefit from BTS’s success while having disrespected them in the past.
– Ends