On May 22, a post on X (formerly Twitter) sparked widespread controversy among fans of BTS and Seventeen. The author of the post accused Seventeen of stealing Namjoon’s idea from BTS to celebrate the group’s anniversary.
The post showed two photos of the Hybe Entertainment building in Seoul. In the first, an old photo, the phrase “BTS REPRESENTS EVERYWHERE” was written. In the second, more recent photo, the phrase “SEVENTEEN CHALLENGE ETERNITY” was written.
ARMYs believe the idea of projecting the messages onto the company building was an original idea of BTS member Namjoon and was first used during the group’s 10th anniversary celebration. A video of BTS suggesting the idea was captured by Namjoon.
Many ARMYs considered this plagiarism and disrespect to BTS’s legacy. One fan wrote, “It disgusts me that ARMY-carats are trying to justify a meaningful idea created by a BTS member to celebrate their achievements and 10-year anniversary, just because they’re in the same agency. This group hijacked someone else’s celebration and its meaning.” Another added, “30 days before the return of the kings and you’re doing this! Are you crazy?”
Carats Defend Seventeen Amid Plagiarism Accusations
In response, CARATS (Seventeen’s fans) defended their group, pointing out that decorating buildings for special occasions is a long-standing tradition of the group dating back to their days in the Pledis Building (before HYBE acquired the company). An article from Koreaboo explained, “Decorating buildings for major events is something Seventeen has been doing for years, even when they were in the Pledis Building.”
A fan, trying to calm the situation, commented, “Honestly, as an ARMY, I don’t think it’s a big deal. Both groups are under the same company and are celebrating their anniversaries. I think the messages will change again when BTS returns, so why make a big deal out of it?”
ARMYs have also criticized HYBE, with many BTS fans believing the label has shown disrespect for the band’s legacy, which has been instrumental in their global success. One fan account wrote, “HYBE really doesn’t respect Namjoon’s idea, what the hell?!”, while another commented, “Die this nonsense! I’m sorry to bring it up, but what the hell, and the multi-loyalists in the comments are saying it’s no big deal! Get out! It’s a big deal, it was Namjoon’s idea, and it was so special to ARMYs and BTS, can’t this group do something original?”
