After a much discussed late night livestream that was later removed, ARMY, the global fanbase of BTS, has come out strongly in support of member Jungkook. The broadcast, which took place in the early hours of February 26, saw Jungkook speaking candidly about personal habits, professional pressure and the limitations he feels as a public figure.

Jungkook talks about quitting smoking

During the live, Jungkook openly addressed his past smoking habit, saying, “I used to smoke a lot. But I really worked hard and quit.” He questioned why discussing such personal matters should be considered controversial. Emphasising his desire to be honest, he shared, “I’m a person too… I just want to enjoy myself,” and added, “I wanted to be honest with ARMYs.”

At certain moments, Jungkook appeared visibly frustrated about restrictions surrounding what he can say publicly. Hinting at possible backlash, he remarked, “The moment I say this, the company will probably go crazy.” His comments were widely interpreted as referencing his agency, HYBE, and the pressures idols face under management guidelines.

The livestream lasted over an hour before it was taken down, leading to speculation about why it was removed and whether the decision came from Jungkook himself or the company. Despite the uncertainty, fans quickly flooded social media with supportive messages, trending phrases like “Louder Jungkook” to show solidarity.

Fans come out in support of Jungkook

Many fans praised his transparency and vulnerability, arguing that being open about quitting smoking and discussing stress does not tarnish his image but instead humanises him. Some supporters wrote that they admired his honesty and felt proud that he addressed his past directly rather than hiding it.

While a section of viewers expressed concern about the tone and intensity of certain moments, the dominant response across platforms was one of empathy. Fans urged others to focus on Jungkook’s wellbeing and the group’s upcoming activities rather than amplifying controversy.

The episode has reignited conversations about the immense scrutiny faced by K pop idols and the fine balance they must maintain between authenticity and maintaining a carefully curated public image. For many ARMY members, the livestream reinforced their bond with Jungkook not just as a global star, but as a young artist navigating personal growth under constant public attention.