A candid social media post from fashion designer Lee Jeong-woo — also known for being actress Jun Ji-hyun’s mother-in-law — has unexpectedly ignited online buzz over BTS’ English skills, but in a humorous way that showcases her fandom.
Lee shared on March 21 that she was watching BTS’ comeback live show on Netflix, posting clips of the group performing alongside a blunt remark: “The leader speaks English, and the others still can’t even after 10 years.” She quickly softened the jab by adding, “But I love them all,” along with a purple heart emoji and the hashtag “bts,” signaling her identity as a devoted fan.
Designer Lee Jeong-woo / Captured from TV Chuson
The post spread rapidly across social media, with fans amused by what many called a “real fan’s honesty” — a mix of affectionate criticism and unwavering support that resonated with global audiences.
BTS had just held a large-scale comeback event at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square on March 21 to celebrate the release of their fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG.” Yet even during the event, language struggles became part of the narrative.
Member Jimin drew laughter from the crowd when he said, “I prepared something in English — can I try? It’s just one sentence, but I forgot it, so I was looking at the prompt.”
BTS / Captured from Weverse live
The group also addressed the topic during a live broadcast on March 20, the day of the album’s release. In the track “Aliens,” a lyric reads, “I’m the only one who can speak English,” referring to leader RM. He acknowledged this dynamic, saying, “There’s only one person who speaks English, but I’m proud that we’re loved by so many people around the world.”
Jimin playfully pushed back, saying, “We’ve been promoting in the U.S. for over 10 years, and still…” before joking, “You guys are something else.” RM responded with humor, saying, “I want to have back-and-forth conversations too. I’m the only one talking and translating.”
Lee’s comment, while lighthearted, tapped into a long-running conversation among fans about language barriers in K-pop and how artists navigate global fame. Many online users praised BTS for achieving worldwide success despite limited English fluency among most members, calling it a testament to music’s universal appeal.
Lee has previously expressed her fandom publicly. In 2024, she shared a photo of member V visiting a Gangwon FC match during his military service, writing, “That visual is possible even in the military,” drawing attention at the time. Her continued support two years later has only reinforced her status as a “true ARMY” among fans.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.