'Jai BTS': Indians praise Desi K-pop fans' efforts in spreading accurate info amid India-Pakistan tensions

Time of India

10-05-2025

It's long been said that tension and war can bring people closer — but no one expected to see unity between hardcore cricket lovers and K-pop fandoms. These two massive fan groups, often at odds online, have now come together amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan to combat misinformation and share accurate updates with the world.
While major K-pop fandoms, especially BTS and BLACKPINK fans, took the lead in explaining the situation to their non-Asian followers, many Indians online suddenly recognized the power K-pop fans wield — especially in the face of rampant fake news on social media.
Indians praise Desi K-pop fans
Interestingly, many Indians began to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts Desi K-pop fans have been making to counter misinformation, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). With BTS boasting the largest K-pop fanbase in India, locals shared how they've even started listening to the group's music and cheering them on.
One local commented, "Big respect to Indian BTS and BLACKPINK fans who've consistently upheld India's image on Twitter. While fandoms can be chaotic, you've shown maturity, unity, and global awareness. Thank you for representing us so well. Jai Hind."
Big respect to Indian BTS K-pop fans and Blackpink Fans who've consistently upheld India's image on Twitter. While fandoms can be chaotic, you've shown maturity, unity, and global awareness. Thank you for representing us so well. Jai Hind🇮🇳
Another wrote, "True! The Exponential 7 gang is doing a fab job! They're using their numbers and group coordination in the best way! Good for them! Jai Hind!"
True! The Exponential 7 gang is doing a Fab job! They are using their numbers and groups the best way! Good for them! Jai Hind!
One said, "Indian K-pop fans, I wasn't familiar with your game."
Indian k-pop fans, I wasn't familiar with your game.
Another added, "BTS Army mein naya hoon, bag kahan rakhu?" (Translation: "I'm new to the BTS Army — where should I put my bag?")
BTS army mein naya hu bag kaha rakhu https://t.co/fNQxLRwtxR pic.twitter.com/bZyGPB0bDF
One user observed, "This thread shows how people still stereotype BTS fans as teenage girls screaming at posters. In reality, most ARMYs I've come across are highly educated, well-informed, socially aware, and incredibly thoughtful individuals. Amazing."
This thread proves till 2 days ago how people still stereotype BTS fans as teenage girls screaming at posters. In reality, most of the ARMYS I've come across are highly educated, well-informed, socially aware and incredibly thoughtful individuals. Amazing https://t.co/DUocVGe8de
And another stated, "Indian K-pop fans are literally elite. They're posting threads with every piece of info you could ever need and dragging fake news peddlers left and right."
indians kpop fans are literally elite. they're posting threads with every piece of info you could ever need, and dragging fake news peddlers left n right.
K-pop fans respond
While many K-pop fans are enjoying the unexpected praise, they've also emphasized that they are Indians first. Some even gave a light-hearted heads-up to locals that, come June, their timelines will be filled with news about BTS' long-awaited reunion.
The 7-member group — Jin, SUGA, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook — is set to reunite in June after a hiatus that began in 2022 due to South Korea's mandatory military service.