The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached dire proportions, with Al Jazeera reporting at least 37,372 fatalities and 85,452 injuries since October 7. Amidst this tragedy, BTS’s fanbase, known as ARMY, is actively working to alleviate the devastating effects of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
A recent AJ+ video highlights the extensive efforts of BTS fans to support Palestinian families in Gaza. This movement gained momentum after footage showed Palestinian journalist Ahmad Ibraheem discovering photos of BTS members amid the rubble of demolished homes, suggesting a Palestinian BTS fan may have perished in the violence.
In a show of solidarity, ARMY has initiated a boycott of pro-Israel figures in the entertainment industry. Deeply moved by the destruction and loss, they have focused their efforts on the band’s label, Hybe Corporation. They are demanding Hybe cut ties with Scooter Braun, a prominent executive with pro-Israel views, and urging fans to stop purchasing Hybe products, advocating instead for streaming BTS music through unofficial channels to avoid benefiting the company financially.
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Hybe Corporation, originally Big Hit Entertainment, is a South Korean entertainment conglomerate involved in various aspects of the music industry. In a letter to Hybe, ARMY expressed their commitment to social justice, stating, “As one of the most influential fandoms in the world, we cannot bear to see the systemic oppression of the Palestinian people.”
In addition to the boycott, ARMY has organized fundraising initiatives, with ARMY4Palestine raising around $100,000 for Gaza. Despite the band’s silence on the issue, their fans remain resolute in their activism. This movement has also inspired other K-pop fandoms, such as Seventeen’s Carat, to engage in similar boycotts and awareness campaigns.
The influence of these efforts extends beyond the K-pop community, with social media users worldwide joining the call to boycott celebrities who support Israel or remain silent on its actions in Gaza.
Another significant movement is Operation Blockout 2024. Triggered by the Met Gala, which was criticized for its opulence amidst the crisis in Rafah, this campaign aims to digitally boycott celebrities who have not condemned the violence in Palestine. Social media users are blocking these celebrities to reduce their digital influence and financial gain.
Prominent figures like Taylor Swift, Priyanka Chopra, Beyoncé, and others have been targeted, while a few, including Mark Ruffalo, Ramy Youssef, and John Cusack, have spoken out against the military actions, risking their careers in the process. These celebrities have shown solidarity by wearing Artists4ceasefire pins at major events like the Academy Awards.
