BTS member, Namjoon, has faced criticism on social media for his new song’s lyrics which some claim contain insults to Islam. The song, titled “Ddaeng”, speaks about awareness and personal freedom, with one part of the song implying religion in a vague way, causing some to interpret it as an insult to Islam and an expression of the group’s hostility towards the religion. The controversy arose in the context of Korean music experiencing a surge in popularity all over the world, particularly in Muslim countries. BTS, a seven-member group, has become very popular in recent years due to their socially conscious songs which address life and cultural diversity, and do not just focus on romantic themes like many other K-pop groups. BTS’s agency released a statement apologizing to Muslims and calling for responsible open discussion to hear different opinions and interpretations from the fans and the broader Muslim community. It also emphasized that the song does not contain any intention to insult Islam or any other religion, and that its meaning lies in expressing oneself freely without any restrictions.