Lisa (BLACKPINK) made history by becoming the first K-pop idol to attend and present an award at the Golden Globe Awards. Another K-pop idol, Joshua (SEVENTEEN), also attended the prestigious awards ceremony.

The SEVENTEEN member walked the red carpet in a dapper black suit, looking incredibly handsome, accessorized with Chaumet jewelry. However, an interview with a Billboard reporter sparked intense controversy. Specifically, the reporter asked: “How do you feel about K-Pop Demon Hunters? Because, obviously, K-Pop, as we know, has been a huge phenomenon for a long time, but this movie has completely changed its direction.” Joshua replied: “Yes, K-Pop Demon Hunters, I’m really happy, and the movie is opening new doors for K-Pop, so I can’t believe it’s been such a huge success.”

Joshua shines on the Golden Globe red carpet. Photo: MTV

The male idol said that the K-pop movie Demon Hunters is opening new doors for K-pop. Photo: Koreaboo

Very quickly, this seemingly harmless answer caused an unexpected storm. A wave of BTS fans criticized Joshua for being “ungrateful,” “disrespectful,” and belittling BTS’s contributions to the development of K-pop. They argued that BTS were the ones who paved the way for K-pop in America, allowing other idols to become more famous. The reaction was so strong that the link to the video on social media was deleted, and the original interview video on YouTube had to be set to private.

Leonardo DiCaprio went to the Golden Globes to win an award, but instead got into trouble!

“He’s so shameful… BTS paved the way, that’s why K-Pop Demon Hunters became famous,” “K-Pop Demon Hunters wouldn’t even exist if BTS hadn’t shown people what K-Pop was in 2018,” “The fact is, Joshua wouldn’t even be at the Golden Globes for a Billboard interview if it weren’t for BTS,” “This proves that this unknown group is still inferior to BTS. The jealousy is obvious, even from their parents. Despite all that talk, they still have no name on the charts and no real significant achievements”… BTS fans rushed in to “attack” Joshua.

K-Pop idol attends Golden Globes with Lisa again.

Fans argue that BTS paved the way for K-Pop in America and Joshua is being “ungrateful.” Photo: Festa

However, others defended Joshua and criticized a segment of overly aggressive and toxic BTS fans. This isn’t the first time this group of obnoxious fans has “terrorized” other idols, if they don’t claim that BTS paved the way for K-pop in the US. The netizens defending BTS argue that long before BTS, numerous K-pop idols like BoA, Wonder Girls, SNSD… had already made their mark in the US. Notably, PSY’s “global phenomenon” Gangnam Style in 2012 is also noteworthy. They argue that these are the true pioneers of K-pop, and that BTS fans need to stop their excessive and obnoxious behavior.

Joshua, whose real name is Joshua Hong/Hong Jisoo, is a Korean-American singer and member of the boy group SEVENTEEN, managed by Pledis Entertainment (under HYBE Labels). Born in 1995 in Los Angeles, Joshua joined the company after being discovered through a cover video and officially debuted with SEVENTEEN in 2015. He serves as the vocalist, excelling with his warm voice, stable technique, and fluent English, contributing to the group’s expanding international influence.

Throughout his career, Joshua and SEVENTEEN have achieved many great accomplishments, including million-selling albums, prestigious music awards, and global tours, making the group one of the leading representatives of the third generation of K-pop. Besides group activities, Joshua is also loved for his polite image, gentle personality, and sophisticated fashion sense, giving him lasting appeal to fans.

Joshua is a prominent face of SEVENTEEN. Photo: MTV

Debuting in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE Labels), BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) has written a glorious chapter in history, transforming themselves from outsiders from a small company into a global cultural icon. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, each with their own unique personality, yet blending together into a powerful and unified force. BTS’s career is a series of unprecedented records: from being the first Korean artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart with their hit song “Dynamite,” receiving numerous prestigious Grammy nominations, to holding sold-out tours at legendary stadiums like Wembley and the Rose Bowl.

By 2026, after completing their military service and officially reuniting all members, BTS will no longer simply be a Kpop group but will have become the “Prince of Pop” of the 21st century, possessing a profound influence on both politics and society through their speeches at the United Nations. Their power is immense.

Their success lies not only in their billion-view hits or masterful choreography, but also in their humanistic message about self-respect and self-love (Love Yourself) – a strong bond connecting them to their massive ARMY fanbase. With their immense musical legacy and inspiring spirit of overcoming adversity, BTS remains a living legend, paving the way for Korean culture to dominate the global entertainment map.

BTS is the number one K-pop boy group. Photo: X