BTS’s V recently shared a series of Instagram stories showcasing his efforts to improve his English skills, which has sparked a wide range of reactions from fans and netizens. The posts included videos of him practicing speaking in English, with some showing his progress as he tried to communicate in the language. This personal update came after much speculation and even some criticism over the years regarding the idol’s command of English, a language often deemed important for global K-pop stars like V.

On one hand, many fans have shown support for V’s decision to work on his English skills. They praised his dedication and encouraged him to keep going, emphasizing how difficult it can be to learn a second language. The overwhelming message from these supporters was that they appreciated his effort, and several pointed out that his English was improving, with some even noting that V had started speaking in English first, before subtitles were added. His fans cheered him on, commenting on how he was doing well and suggesting that the process of learning English could be fun for him as long as he kept enjoying it. One fan expressed this sentiment clearly by tweeting, “He is actually doing really well. He answered in English first before the video translated it. The only hard thing about learning English is that there are several words and phrases that can mean the same thing. Hope he is having fun learning.”

While the positive feedback from fans is heartwarming, V’s decision to start focusing on learning English at this point in his career has also generated a significant amount of criticism. Detractors have expressed disbelief that it took him this long to begin working on English, with some even questioning whether it was too late. For many, it’s not about V’s abilities or intentions, but about the fact that English fluency is often seen as a basic expectation for K-pop idols who are active on the international stage. Some critics pointed out that V had already been an idol for over 13 years, and it seemed strange that he was only now making an effort to improve his language skills. In their eyes, this was something that should have been prioritized much earlier in his career, especially considering the growing demand for K-pop idols to be able to communicate with a global fanbase.

These opposing views highlight the pressure that idols, especially those in global groups like BTS, face. As their popularity expands internationally, so do the expectations placed upon them. In the past, idols like V were often expected to show off their language skills, especially when engaging with fans overseas, appearing on international media outlets, or giving interviews in English. For many K-pop idols, being multilingual or at least fluent in English is viewed as a part of their professional development, a skill that enhances their global appeal and helps them connect with fans around the world.

However, it is also important to consider that not every idol is equally gifted in every aspect of their training. While some members of BTS, like RM, have been noted for their exceptional command of English, others like V may have not felt the same level of urgency or need to prioritize it. This doesn’t necessarily mean they have neglected their professional duties, but rather that their talents might have been focused on other areas, such as singing, dancing, or acting. After all, learning a new language is a time-consuming and often difficult task, and there’s no guarantee that every idol will be fluent in multiple languages.

Despite the criticism, V’s effort to learn English represents a more widespread trend within K-pop, where idols are increasingly encouraged to improve their language skills as part of their career development. Language acquisition is a vital tool for idols to communicate more directly with international fans, and as the K-pop industry grows globally, the need for multilingual idols becomes more pressing. The criticism against V, therefore, can also be seen as an example of the sometimes unrealistic standards that idols are expected to meet, particularly when it comes to language fluency.

It is also worth considering that for V, learning English may be part of his personal journey, one driven by his own motivations rather than an external expectation. His efforts could be an attempt to feel more connected with his international fanbase, or perhaps a way for him to express himself more fully in a language that many of his fans understand. Regardless of the reasons behind his decision, what is undeniable is that V’s openness about his language-learning journey has sparked an important conversation about the pressures faced by K-pop idols, as well as the expectations of fans and the general public.

In the end, whether V’s English improves in a few months or years, it is essential to recognize that his effort to learn, and his vulnerability in sharing that process, deserves respect. Fans who support him will likely continue to cheer him on, understanding that learning a new language is a challenge and a personal accomplishment, no matter how long it takes. Meanwhile, the critics may come to realize that, in the world of K-pop, the most important thing is not always meeting every external expectation, but staying true to one’s growth and personal goals.