"BTS is 7"— ARMYs rally globally to support BTS as a seven-member group and denounce efforts to break up the band amidst Suga's DUI incident

On September 8, 2024, BTS' global fanbase united to show unwavering support for the group amid growing efforts to divide the band following member Suga’s involvement in a DUI incident. Suga has since issued a public apology along with the label. Both he and the agency have fully cooperated with authorities and accepted all legal penalties.

Despite their accountability, some media outlets and online critics targeted the rapper, with some even attempting to erase his presence from broadcasts and calling for his removal from the group. This prompted ARMY, the group's devoted fanbase, to rally in defense of the group as a whole.

A multinational coalition comprising 127 fan organizations from Korea and 58 other countries, referred to as the "Global ARMY Alliance" released a powerful statement denouncing the attempts to push the rapper out and emphasizing their support for the group as all seven members. They called out the unjust treatment Suga has faced and criticized those who have used the situation to spread negativity. It stated,

"The Global ARMY Alliance supports all seven members of BTS. The Global ARMY Alliance does not ask BTS members to take any more responsibility than legally required."

Fans of the group also reposted the 'Global ARMY Union Statement' and took to social media to further claim the stance. A user on X, @junotions, wrote,

"BTS is 7."

"WE LOVE YOU BANGTAN," a fan wrote on X.

"BTS will always be 7," another user remarked.

"let’s make it really clear for everyone that doesn’t understand that. BTS IS 7," another fan commented.

Many fans emphasized the significance of the "7" tattoo that all members share, interpreting it as a powerful symbol of the group's unity and their commitment to remaining together without any member missing.

"These (tattoos) are more than friendship bracelets, that’s for sure," a fan mentioned.

"There is nothing in the world that can break it. Any kind of discrimination won't be tolerated," an X user commented.

"Everyone will cry in 2025 Will knock their heads against the wall for acting so miserable now," a fan remarked.

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Global ARMYs from India, Germany, Kenya, the UK, and more unite to support BTS as one, defying external pressures

The Global ARMY Alliance from countries like Canada, India, Germany, Kenya, the UK, and many others have shown collective support for the idol. Fans around the world have been making it clear that Suga should only be subjected to the consequences required by law, rejecting any calls for his departure.

They reinforced that the group should remain as seven highlighting the fans' solidarity during this challenging period. The statement further reads,

"The BTS ARMY is a vast fandom based around the world, yet a small number of people have recently released statements through the media claiming opinions that are contrary to the beliefs of the overwhelming majority of ARMY. Despite ARMY's opposition to this imperious behavior, they continue to act against the fandom's wishes while using ARMY's name."

The fans emphasized that global ARMY fan bases, both domestic and international, urge the media to refrain from giving attention to individuals without verified representation,

"Additionally, we strongly urge the media not to give credibility to individuals with unconfirmed representation."

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The statement was issued in response to continuous disruptions caused by antis. The antis reportedly used outdoor advertisements, trucks, and wreaths to create disturbances, making it difficult for ARMYs to fully concentrate on members' activities.