The Controversial Financial and Military Claims
The controversy stems from a lengthy Facebook post discussing SEVENTEEN , HYBE, and BTS . Vernon’s mother made two major claims regarding the business relationship between the groups:
- Acknowledging BTS’s Role: She admitted that BTS’s massive success was responsible for building the company (HYBE) that was subsequently able to acquire Pledis Entertainment, SEVENTEEN’s label.
- The “Income Loss” Assertion: She then claimed that HYBE was using SEVENTEEN to “offset the inevitable income loss” that would occur when the BTS members began their mandatory military enlistment. This specific framing was seen as a slight by many BTS fans, suggesting SEVENTEEN was being used as a financial crutch.
The “Paved The Way” Comment
In response to commenters on her post, Vernon’s mother further fueled the fire by entering the long-standing debate over who truly “paved the way” for K-pop’s global success.
She explicitly stated that other acts “might rightfully be considered the act that truly paved the way,” implying that BTS does not deserve the full credit.
She instead credited YG Entertainment’s BIGBANG and the global viral sensation PSY for the genre’s rise.
Fandom Reactions and Secondary Accusations
The remarks immediately sparked heated reactions from the BTS fandom:
- Fan Condemnation: ARMYs condemned the statements, with many calling Vernon’s mother “bitter” and “a loser” for engaging in the fan debate publicly.
Vernon and BTS (Credit: YouTube)
- Recalling Past Incidents: Fans also brought up a separate, past incident where another SEVENTEEN member, Hoshi, allegedly liked an Instagram post that was perceived as shading BTS, suggesting a pattern of resentment.
- Political Allegations: Further digging by netizens revealed other posts on her personal account that allegedly showed support for controversial U.S. political figures, including former President Donald Trump, intensifying the backlash and drawing further criticism about her public presence and views.
The Plea to Protect the Idol
In the wake of the controversy, SEVENTEEN fans (CARATs) came forward to defend the idol himself, making a clear distinction between the parent and the artist:
They strongly requested that Vernon be kept out of the conversation, stating that he is his own person and should not be held accountable for the opinions and actions of his family member.
CARATs also urged fellow fans to stop sharing posts from her personal Facebook account to limit the spread of the sensitive content.
The incident highlights the volatile nature of K-pop fan wars and the intense scrutiny that extends beyond idols to their families, especially concerning sensitive industry topics like the financial workings of HYBE and the legacy debate surrounding the “paved the way” title.
BTS member V, also known as Kim Taehyung , departed for the United States on November 12, 2025, via Incheon International Airport to fulfill his duties as the first global ambassador for the Korean beauty brand, TIRTIR.
His trip focuses on launching the brand’s major global expansion effort in the U.S. market.
The Global Campaign: “V&YOU: Let’s Radiate”
V’s attendance is the central feature of TIRTIR’s global campaign, titled “V&YOU: Let’s Radiate.” This campaign is designed to connect the K-
beauty brand with international consumers, aligning with TIRTIR’s broader strategy to establish a significant presence in Western markets, notably through retail partnerships with Ulta Beauty in the U.S. and Sephora in the U.K.
The Los Angeles Pop-Up Event Details
The TIRTIR Pop-Up Event, located at 8175 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, is an immersive, multi-room experience that blends K-beauty innovation with V’s global star power.
BTS V: the first global ambassador for the Korean beauty brand, TIRTIR (Credit: Instagram)
The event runs from November 15 to November 23, 2025, and is open and free to the public.
Key interactive features and zones include:
- Ambassador Zone: An exhibition-style maze featuring V’s actual campaign outfits, exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the “V&YOU” shoot, and mirrored installations to immerse fans in the campaign’s creative world.
- Color Match Area: A dedicated zone showcasing TIRTIR’s full line of complexion products, including the viral Mask Fit Red Cushion foundation available in 40 shades, offering personalized matching and try-on experiences.
- Content Cube: A three-sided, metallic red cube with LED lighting designed specifically for guests to create high-impact, Instagram-worthy social content and short-form videos.
- The News Café: A playful area where guests can sip matcha and explore new product drops in a “newsstand” setting.
V’s Airport Departure and Fan Engagement
V’s departure from Incheon International Airport on November 12 was a major event in itself, with photos and videos of his “airport fashion” quickly going viral.
BTS V’s collaboration with TIRTIR (Credit: Instagram)
- Outfit: He wore a clean, casual look consisting of a dark olive-green, knit, zip-up jacket over a green shirt, paired with jeans.
- Accessories: His look was completed with a black face mask, black-rimmed glasses, and a deliberately “fluffy” hairstyle, giving him an “adorable look.”
- Message to Fans: After boarding his flight, V shared a short video on his Instagram Story with a simple, reassuring caption for his fans: “I will go and come back.”
Launch Day and Celebrity Guests
The pop-up officially opened on November 15, and the launch was attended by several notable Hollywood figures, capitalizing on V’s star power to generate buzz.
Actresses like Madelaine Petsch, Emily Alyn Lind, and Isabela Merced, as well as actor Charles Melton, were seen attending the opening celebration of the “Radiate in Red” campaign.
