Zionist? Why ARMYs Are Against BTS Jungkook's Collaboration With Usher

BTS Jungkook‘s latest collaboration news has been met with mixed reactions.

Recently, BIGHIT MUSIC announced that American R&B artist Usher would feature on a remix of Jungkook’s solo song “Standing Next to You.”

Usher Instagram Story

*He shared BTS Official’s post announcing “Standing Next to You – Usher Remix” pic.twitter.com/1aGB2yE6U7

— Golden Times (@JJK_Times) November 29, 2023

Initially, ARMYs were excited, knowing Usher was an artist Jungkook previously cited as an inspiration. He was also referenced in BTS’s song “Butter,” and he posted a TikTok, exciting longtime fan, Jimin.

Jungkook's biggest musical inspiration ft. on his song:

Usher ✅
Justin Timberlake ✅
Justin Bieber 🔜❓ pic.twitter.com/VpaqIFWV4r

— ˙ᵕ˙ (@taebokkiii) November 28, 2023

When usher used bts’ butter as sound of his tiktok and the way jimin replied

🐥: 😳😳😳 pic.twitter.com/ydsQdIoL4I

— Carolyne🌱⁷ ʲᵏ ʰᵒᵖᵉ ᵛᵉʳ (ꪜ)🃏🧑‍🚀💙🪞🦋🥢🪐🎬✌️ (@mhereonlyforbts) November 28, 2023

It also reminded many K-Pop fans of the iconic meme of which Usher’s appearance on Inkigayo was.

Jungkook and Usher next week performing on inkigayo pic.twitter.com/9Emlshnf54

— ch(•—•)ea (@joonsjinn) November 28, 2023

Yet, more and more netizens have now voiced their dismay over the collaboration news due to Usher’s support of Israel.

Since October, media coverage of the Israel-Palestine crisis has increased, with more and more becoming aware of the war that is taking place in the Gaza Strip. More than 10,000 innocent Palestinians, many of whom are children, have been killed as Israeli bombings and other attacks occur in the region.

In 2014, Usher posted a now-deleted image of support for Israel. At the time, he stated he stood with Israel.

post was made in 2014 and he deleted. please give me any latest evidence of his current stance in case he did post any pro palestine in his story or anything??? i beggg 😭 https://t.co/ZnoGh8rpTa pic.twitter.com/lKkVI1M3Qi

— na 📀 (ꪜ) 💟 🍉 (@najungie) November 28, 2023

Usher also posted an image of a closed fist covered with Israeli flag paint via Instagram on October 11 after militant group Hamas’ attack on October 7.

Usher on in his Instagram story 3 hours ago.. pic.twitter.com/0KRTNXXCwD

— ⚓️🇩🇰🇵🇸 (@DanishOpinions) October 11, 2023

Yet, such posts have been removed, raising questions on whether he has since changed his stance. He also is one of few celebrities who did not sign the #NoHostageLeftBehind letter, thanking President Biden for his support of Israel.

For the ppl in the quotes ~ Usher is Jewish, but there is no article proving that he is a Zionist The post was from 2014 and he deleted it and did not share anything about Israel. Can you tell me why kehlani follows him on IG if he is a Zionist https://t.co/w9JWEXaPJO pic.twitter.com/0uJ6vfg4GL

— x (@x_yopiyc) November 29, 2023

Listen I understood for Justin Timberlake, I listened to y’all. But for Usher y’all are really reaching. The fact that some of you brought up a post FROM 2014 that he deleted to justify why you won’t support the remix is really weird.
You’re also making assumptions rn

— cléo⁷★ (@jjksghoul) November 28, 2023

Likewise, many boycotted Jungkook’s recent collaboration with American pop artist Justin Timberlake for some of the same reasons. Again, he is one of Jungkook’s top music inspirations. But many ARMYs disprove of his political stances and his mistreatment of ex-girlfriend Britney Spears.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE IS A ZIONIST AND NOT SUPPORTING THIS REMIX DOESN'T MAKE YOU A JUNGKOOK ANTI THERE'S A FUCKIGN GENOCIDE GOING ON

— 🇵🇸🐝'maude'⁷ (@sunnysoulmates) November 24, 2023

mind you he also signed the letter against a ceasefire and has been a openly proud Zionist since 2014

— noelle˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ (@yjnpjm) November 23, 2023

Considering that each artist Jungkook has recently collaborated with has a divisive or problematic history, one can’t help but wonder what HYBE‘s obsession with such artists is.

hybe's obsession with working with zionists needs to be studied cuz what the heck man…

— jk’s halal wife⁷ 🇵🇸 (@younivcrse) November 28, 2023

Scooter Braun, who is Jewish and has always been outspoken in his support for Israel, is in power at HYBE America due to HYBE’s acquisition of his company Ithaca Holdings.