Reporter who vowed to "find" BTS hotel vs. anchor who said "I will not disclose it": Controversy erupts on Peruvian broadcast [K-EYES]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

A controversy over "privacy reporting" erupted in the local broadcasting industry ahead of BTS (BTS, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook)'s first performance in Peru.

One reporter drew fierce backlash after previewing that he would find BTS's accommodation, stating, "I will not respect the requests of ARMY (the fandom name)." In contrast, another prominent anchor won fans' applause by declaring, "I will not say where they are."

BTS arrived at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima on the afternoon of the 5th (local time) after completing their performance in Bogota, Colombia. The members moved to their accommodation under police escort. All three performances scheduled for the 7th, 9th, and 10th at Estadio San Marcos in Lima have sold out.

The controversy began with remarks by Gunther Rave, an entertainment reporter for Peruvian news channel Canal N. According to Peruvian media Infobae, Rave aired footage of BTS's arrival in Lima on the broadcast, saying, "We deeply respect ARMY, but we reporters do not respect that kind of thing," and adding, "That is what news is; we chase news." He further stated, "In a short while, we will find out which hotel they are staying at and what schedule they are following to conduct our reporting. We regret this for the ARMY."

Peruvian ARMY had repeatedly urged fans not to flock to the airport or hotels before the members' arrival and not to share the members' locations. The local fan club BTS Peru also stated its position that it would not share or disseminate information that could infringe on the privacy of the members and staff.

When Rave's remarks became known, criticism poured in on X (formerly Twitter), with comments such as "Withdraw your statement," "Reporting is not harassment," and "Just because they are BTS does not mean they are not human." However, another controversy arose when some fans spread Rave's personal information online. Local media Caretas reported that the dissemination of personal information had become a new point of contention in the privacy debate. Rave has yet to release a statement.

A contrasting scene was also observed. Monica Delgado, the flagship news anchor for Peruvian broadcaster Latina, stated on air, "BTS is already in our capital, Lima," while adding, "Of course, I will not say where they are. However, I will tell you that they are preparing for three performances."

Fans responded immediately. Reactions followed on social media, including "The best. Thank you for respecting the members' privacy, Latina," "You set an example," and "I will only watch Latina from now on. Thank you so much for your respect."

The reality of the fandom was not entirely aligned either. Infobae reported that dozens of ARMY had gathered around the hotel where BTS is reportedly staying. It explained that while some fans were aware of the fandom's guidelines requesting privacy protection, fans who could not attend the concert visited the area around the hotel saying they "wanted to see BTS, even if just for a moment."

BTS will take the stage at Estadio San Marcos in Lima on the 9th and 10th, following their first performance starting on the 7th (local time).

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original