As the release of their upcoming album ARIRANG approaches, BTS has been ramping up promotions.
After unveiling their new photoshoot and interview with GQ Magazine, the group surprised fans with their first group selfie in months.
Instead of pure excitement, the photo quickly sparked debate online.
Many fans claimed the seven members looked “unrecognisable,” questioning whether heavy filters or editing had altered their faces.
literally who is this https://t.co/eXA1c9otHs
— tay⁷ (@chimmyschurro) February 15, 2026
that is not them https://t.co/TeHN5eNbXK
— not jimin (@ikissjungkook) February 15, 2026
Some even accused their agency, BigHit Music, of purposely distorting the image using excessive filters or AI.
However, the backlash didn’t last long.
I first saw the pic on twt and i thought it was AI bc yeah who is that ?? 💀
— Lexie⁷ ㉧㉣㉣ is seeing BTS ! (@PolarisNightts) February 15, 2026
Ai editing lmao , whoever did that better not log in that ig acc again
— SERRA•⊙⊝⊜⁷ (@Serra937) February 15, 2026
they edited them so much 😭 like yoongi not even looking like yoongi 😭
— gen⁷ (@gen123d) February 15, 2026
Other fans pointed out that the selfie had been mirrored, which can subtly change how familiar faces appear. Once the image was flipped back, many agreed the members looked much more like themselves.
Yall flip the pic ahaha it looks strange because its a mirror pic.twitter.com/xwgNxm4k4Q
— gur3tan⁷🍝 (@gularity_sin) February 15, 2026
It’s because it’s flipped yall look (yoongi NOT beating the cat allegations) pic.twitter.com/qdc3LM8qhC
— The city of flowers ⁷ ⦿ ☰ ☲ (@TheCityOfFlower) February 15, 2026
With ARIRANG nearing release, the group continues to draw major attention — even from a single selfie.
