BTS’s Jungkook is facing some criticism after performing at the World Cup 2022 in Qatar over the weekend.
Allowing Qatar to be the host country for the tournament has been a point of frustration among LGBTQ+ advocates and allies, due to the country’s archaic and dangerous stance on LGBTQ+ rights — being caught engaging in same-sex activities is punishable by prison or even death.
Because of this, performers like Dua Lipa and Rod Stewart made pointed statements about refusing to be involved in the ceremonies.
Others did not seem so concerned about taking an ethical stance. David Beckham took $10 million to be an ambassador for the tournament, Morgan Freeman made a surprise appearance, and Diplo, Calvin Harris, Sean Paul, Clean Bandit, Black Eyed Peas, and Robbie Williams are among those slated to perform over the coming weeks.
Jungkook performed at the opening ceremony on Sunday, using the opportunity to release his new solo song, “Dreamers.” The music video for the single will be released on FIFA’s official YouTube channel this week.
Some BTS fans expressed frustration that, as one of the biggest musicians in the world, Jungkook had an opportunity to use his platform to stand up for human rights and instead opted to turn a blind eye.
\u201cWhy are BTS Army fans overlooking and turning a blind eye to 6,500 Migrant Workers that DIED building World Cup stadiums in QATAR. Why are they blind to the 1000\u2019s of LGBT arrested and tortured for their identity? \n\nI love BTS & Jungkook but it\u2019s wrong for him to perform there\u201d— Oli London (@Oli London) 1668971041
\u201cJungkook performing at the World Cup in Qatar proved once again that K-pop fans will forget their morals as soon as their faves perform \u2026 I\u2019m seriously disappointed in the BTS ARMY for supporting Qatar and their human rights violations by watching the world cup for Jungkook\u201d— leni( \uff65\u0e34\u03c9\uff65\u0e34) (@leni( \uff65\u0e34\u03c9\uff65\u0e34)) 1668280118
\u201cIt\u2019s honestly disappointing that jungkook or anyone is performing in Qatar. How can speak at the UN and then go perform for a nation that is so explicitly violating human rights. No amount of exposure should be a trade off for that it just doesn\u2019t make any sense\u201d— r \u2077 (@r \u2077) 1668413691
It was perhaps particularly disappointing considering how many times members of BTS, including Jungkook himself, have spoken in support of LGBTQ+ rights or promoted LGBTQ+ artists.
But many BTS fans are still supporting him, insisting performing at the World Cup is a wonderful opportunity and proof that he has made it as an artist. Some even pointed to him wearing a plain white shirt that is reportedly by a label that supports LGBTQ+ rights while in Qatar, insinuating that made up for his implicit support of a country that persecutes LGBTQ+ people.
There have been mixed reports about what LGBTQ+ fans attending the World Cup from other countries can expect in Qatar this year, with FIFA insisting “there is no risk,” despite LGBTQ+ people having been arrested in the country as recently as September.
Is Jungkook married?
No, he is not married.
What is Jungkook famous for?
Jungkook is a singer, dancer, and member of the K-pop group, BTS.
Who are Jungkook's ex-girlfriends?
Jungkook has been rumored to have been romantically linked with several other singers, but it is pure speculation.
