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Over 3000 BTS ARMYs in Cebu, Philippines, marched out on a healing walk for 'The Purple Walk of Love: You Never Walk Alone' campaign in support of BTS' Suga on September 8, 2024. Additionally, the event seeks to combat the spread of misinformation and increase public understanding of the value of media literacy in preventing cyberbullying to safeguard people's mental health.
The campaign also raised funds for the Kaibigan Chatline, operated by UNICEF Philippines and organized by Positive Youth Development (PYD). Additionally, Filipino fans also lit up the Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) to encourage s*icide prevention and celebrate mental health awareness month on September 8, 2024.
ARMYs trended several hashtags like #BTSARMYPH_PurpleWalkOfLove, #ARMYShieldsBTS, #BTSPurpleRibbonProject, and #PHARMYStandingForBTS globally on X. The campaign was held by Filipino fans to showcase their support for BTS' Min Yoongi aka Suga, who was subjected to constant media scrutiny in August 2024 due to his DUI case.
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South Korean media outlets like JTBC reportedly aired fake footage of the idol, which led to misunderstanding and disinformation amongst the public and invited massive backlash towards the rapper. ARMYs shielded the BTS rapper from the cyberbullying and demanded that JTBC apologize to him. On August 16, JTBC apologized to Suga for airing fake CCTV footage.
Global fans lauded the Filipino BTS ARMY for their initiative and flooded social media with their enthusiastic tweets. One fan wrote,
"Guys I just woke up. This is so beautiful."
International fans trended the hashtags and expressed their wish for Yoongi to see the effort of the Filipino fans.
"Y’all are gonna make me cry I hope yoongi sees this," one fan wrote.
"It was a nationwide walk here in the philippines," another fan said.
"This is so wonderful.. PH armys BORAHAE!! And is my bd today.. so is truly very heartening to read such news today. Thank you," another fan added.
Others felt inspired and discussed organizing a similar campaign in the USA.
"What a relief, we're all here. Together as one, all for @BTS_twt . MAHAL NAMIN KAYO, OUR SEVEN! You got ARMYs right behind you all," one fan said.
"USA we need to do something like this for Yoongi in America," another fan mentioned.
"Yall are literally the best!" another fan wrote.
ARMYs brought back the 'Purple Ribbon Project' campaign to show support towards BTS' Suga amidst his DUI case
In mid-August 2024, amidst Suga's ongoing DUI case, the BTS ARMY reactivated the 'Purple Ribbon Project.' ARMYs tried to defend Suga amid his continuing DUI lawsuit. The AMYGDALA rapper became the target of an alleged smear campaign ever since it was discovered online that he rode a foldable electric scooter under the influence.
The 'Purple Ribbon Project' was started by the ARMY back in 2018 in an effort to protect BTS members from mobs at the airports.
Using purple ribbons, the fanbase would construct a long barricade around them to make sure that nobody would intrude on their privacy as they made their way to their cars. They also used the campaign to remind others to show respect to the idols and promote safety during concerts.
On August 7, news broke that the BTS rapper was charged with drunk driving a foldable electric kickboard/scooter. Reportedly, the Haegeum rapper fell in front of his residence's gate after taking a turn. JTBC released a fake blurry CCTV footage on August 7, that showed a man speeding on a regular scooter on the opposite way of Namsan, Seoul. JTBC claimed that the man was BTS' Suga.
The video caused an uproar online as netizens and other K-pop fandoms lashed out at the K-pop idol for allegedly speeding after being intoxicated. Other media outlets like Yonhap, The Korea Times, Koreaboo, SBS, Chosun, and more, picked up the CCTV video and reported the same.
Later, on August 15, Dong-A Ilbo released the original CCTV footage that debunked JTBC's claims. JTBC apologized to BTS' Suga on national television on August 16 for releasing an unverified CCTV clip.
This enraged the BTS ARMY, who reactivated the 'Purple Ribbon Project' to safeguard Suga from online bullying and media misinformation, and demanded that Korean media apologize to the idol for spreading false reports.
Over the past several days, false material on the BTS star's case has proliferated on social media. Suga's detractors (anti-fans) misused the opportunity and initiated the #SugaChallenge by posting photos of themselves behind the car wheel after drinking, impersonating ARMYs, and blaming them for starting the reckless and defamatory online trend.
For several weeks, ARMYs trended the 'Purple Ribbon Project' in several countries like Indonesia. The football stadium, Maracana, in Brazil, turned on the purple lights on August 26, in collaboration with the Brazilian ARMYs, to show their support towards Suga.
The Brazilian fans further pasted the BTS rapper's pictures on local buses, demanding justice for him, and protested against the media's smear campaign.
Currently, BTS' Min Yoongi has been serving his mandatory military service since September 22, 2023. He will return in June 2025.
