Added on November 4, 2019  The News Wheel   , , , , , , ,
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BTS Backlash: Fans Clash Amid Jungkook Car Crash Investigation

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BTS Jungkook Car Crash Red Carpet Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards 2018
Jungkook, third from left, was involved in a minor accident over the weekend
Photo: NINE STARS

Last Tuesday was the final stop for BTS on their “Love Yourself: Speak Yourself World Tour.” The concert took place in their home of Seoul, Korea, and was fittingly called “The Final.” It was a bittersweet moment for fans, as it marked the end of an era for the massive K-pop group, but it also provided an opportunity for the boys to let loose and relax before touring again. But over this past weekend, the youngest member of the group — Jungkook — was involved in a car accident and likely hasn’t gotten much rest at all.

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The 22-year-old superstar, born Jeon Jung-kook, was in the Hannam district of Seoul on Saturday, Nov. 2 and was reported to have hit a taxi while driving. Of course, upon hearing the news, fans were reasonably concerned and went to Twitter to express their support for the band’s maknae with the hashtag #JungkookWeLoveYou. But with the good of social media comes the bad as well. Some users took this time to make light of the situation by sharing memes of bad driving or fatal car accident images as “jokes.”

Big Hit issues a statement

Quickly after the incident was first reported, BTS’ management group Big Hit Entertainment issued a statement:

“The police have not closed this case yet, so we cannot reveal the exact details, but Jungkook was driving his car last week when he had a minor collision with another vehicle due to his own mistake. Both the victim and Jungkook did not sustain any major injuries. Jungkook admitted that he violated the road Traffic Act immediately after the accident. The scene of the accident was resolved and police questioning was completed according to the due process, and an amicable settlement was made with the victim afterwards. We once again apologise to the victim, and we also express apologies for causing concern to fans.”

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While some Twitter users were still sharing memes, others pointed out how responsible Jungkook was for admitting fault and dealing with his mistake.

What comes next?

While no accident is ideal, the timing of this incident works out in BTS’ favor. The group isn’t set to perform again until the Los Angeles stop of the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball tour on Dec. 6. This will allow plenty of time for Korean officials to question Jungkook about violating the Road Traffic Act and to conduct the remainder of the car crash investigation promptly.