BTS’ comeback in the United States at the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon was highly anticipated. Fans considered the host among the few who respected and appreciated the group’s music and achievements. However, the most recent interview, followed by a performance at the Guggenheim Art Museum in New York City, has left attendees miffed. Read on to find out how Fallon’s staff members treated fans, along with a racist statement made by another host at the show.
ARMYs Call Out Jimmy Fallon Show Management Over Mistreatment
On March 25, 2026, BTS, led by Jimmy Fallon, performed ‘SWIM’ and ‘2.0’ for some lucky fans at the Guggenheim. However, under a heartfelt performance and orchestrated sweet moments lurks a darker tale. Mobile phones and recordings were not permitted, but fans in the audience took to social media to talk about their experiences.
Approximately 150 fans were in attendance. However, they had not been previously informed that the performance would take place at the Guggenheim. In addition, they were carted off to the museum from the NBC building (where Tonight is filmed), but only some got the opportunity to see the band live.
Apparently, the audience was there for hours without their phones. A group was randomly chosen to sit on cushions surrounding the band. The rest were placed in a room where the show was streamed live for them. Many started crying because they couldn’t see the K-pop group live, feeling betrayed. The choice of people who could watch seemed to be made at random, while some fans posited it was based on attractiveness.
After the performance, the audience had to make their own way back without knowing this before taping. Additionally, a staff member casually joked about BTS in a derogatory manner. RM had specified that they don’t get asked if they’re from North or South Korea in their ‘ARIRANG’ album breakdown. At the show filming, however, staff mockingly asked which band member was “from North Korea.” He has since apologised for his comment.
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ARMYs were reasonably angry after this whole incident. Other fans considered the outrage justified, saying it made them uncomfortable to watch The Tonight Show after knowing the behind-the-scenes information.
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