A recent interview featuring Jungkook of BTS has unexpectedly sparked online controversy after some fans accused the video of being manipulated, leading to heated debate across social media platforms.
The controversy began after Jungkook appeared in a video interview for Harper’s BAZAAR Korea. During the segment, the idol was asked which BTS member he usually turns to when discussing personal concerns or worries.
In the published clip, Jungkook appeared to answer, “RM or Jimin,” referring to fellow BTS members RM and Jimin. However, shortly after the interview was uploaded, some netizens began claiming that the video’s audio had been edited in post-production.
this is mass psychosis 😭😭 all because he said jimin is one of the people he goes to consult his worries 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/SurYFBE9QS
— vic.?! (@kookmoons) May 22, 2026
Several users on X, formerly known as Twitter, argued that Jungkook’s lip movements did not match the subtitle or audio presented in the final video. According to these fans, Jungkook appeared to say “RM, RM” rather than “RM or Jimin,” leading to accusations that the interview had been manipulated.
One viral post stated, “If you look at Jungkook’s lip movements, he clearly says ‘RM, RM.’ Why did Harper’s BAZAAR Korea manipulate the video like this?” The user also demanded that the outlet explain the alleged editing and upload the “original unedited interview.”
Another post accused the production team of altering the audio after filming, writing, “After saying ‘RM,’ he does not say the word ‘Jimin.’ Why did you edit and manipulate the video and audio differently from each other? Please upload the full unedited version.”
As the allegations spread online, hashtags related to Jungkook, RM, and Jimin quickly began trending among BTS fans. Some users slowed down the video frame-by-frame in attempts to analyze Jungkook’s mouth movements, while others argued that lip-reading alone is unreliable and cannot definitively prove manipulation.
The controversy soon divided the fandom. A portion of fans insisted that the interview had been edited unfairly and criticized both the magazine and BTS’s management company for allegedly altering Jungkook’s words. Others strongly rejected the claims, arguing that certain fans were simply unwilling to accept Jungkook’s close friendship with Jimin.
Supporters defending the interview pointed out that Jungkook and Jimin have publicly demonstrated their strong bond for years through BTS content, live broadcasts, concerts, and personal interactions. Many argued there would be no reason for a major publication to intentionally alter such a minor statement.
Some fans also warned that overanalyzing lip movements and accusing media outlets of manipulation without concrete evidence could further fuel unnecessary fan wars within the BTS fandom. Others expressed frustration at how quickly online speculation escalated into accusations targeting both the magazine and the members themselves.
As debate continues across social media, neither Harper’s BAZAAR Korea nor BTS’s agency has issued an official statement regarding the allegations. No evidence has emerged confirming that the interview audio was altered, leaving the situation based largely on fan interpretations and speculation.
The incident once again highlights the intense scrutiny surrounding BTS members and the way even brief interview moments can rapidly become major online controversies. While some fans continue demanding clarification, others are calling for the discussion to calm down until any verified information is released.
