Natalia T.

HOT TAKE: James Corden degrading BTS and ARMY makes me want to hurl. -------------- Who is BTS? BTS is a world-renowned successful K-Pop group considered to be the pride and joy of South Korea. Though the Republic of South Korea is an amazing country on its own, the 7 boys have made insane contributions in infinite different ways. It makes sense that they were invited to the UNGA seeing how much they benefit the country not just through entertainment, but also having influence on economy, politics, and more. The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow and BTS have a large influence on today's youth. They are amazing people who have inspired immense positive change and have saved lives. Therefore, it is not as "unusual" as James Corden claims it to be that BTS were invited as special guests by the President of South Korea. In fact, this was not BTS' first time at the UN. Their positive influence and reform was recognized years ago when they were invited to speak at the UNGA in 2018. On top of that, they aren't the only ones who have had performances at the UNGA. Beyonce and Shakira have both performed there, but less criticism was evoked as they are performers from the West. What is so 'odd' about the boys spreading a fun message of light and hope in our present times of crisis and grief? Making jokes about the decisions to bring BTS: The Special Envoy for Future Generations and Culture (a title appointed to them by the South Korean President) as guests to the UNGA when they have brought about so much positive change and have great influence in the world today was questionable in and of itself. However, Corden went even further and also made fun of the BTS fandom, ARMY, just for the fun of it. These boys are making history as we speak and have amazing support from people they love who, in turn, love them very much. This should be celebrated as much of this positive change is rooted in this mutual love shared by BTS and ARMY. Corden having taken this important milestone and completely degraded it at the expense of others is upsetting beyond comprehension. After BTS have civilly dealt with so many disgustingly ignorant and classless comments and questions from White and/or Western interviewers/hosts, I really thought Corden was one of the good ones. Now it's clear that he has the same innate ideology as the rest. Pathetic.