BTS is on fire with back-to-back music video releases from their fifth album Arirang. Recently, on April 2, 2026, they dropped the official video for the hit song 2.0 and the MV creatively honours a well-known scene from the classic Korean film Oldboy. The other members experimented with various styles, but it is V, also known as Kim Taehyung, whose look in the 2.0 MV is creating the biggest buzz and unfortunately, not all of it is positive.
In the music video, initially BTS’s V appears with a full beard and moustache. This look surprised many fans because he usually keeps a clean-shaven face. Later in the video, as the group switches outfits, the ‘Slow Dancing’ singer wears a simple bandana on his head. These styling choices swiftly sparked a heated discussion on social media.
Some people began criticising his appearance. A few netizens accused him of cultural appropriation. They said his beard looked like traditional South Asian or Indian men’s facial hair. Others claimed the bandana was similar to a durag linked to Black culture.
However, many people found the criticism unfair. They wondered how simply growing a beard could be labelled as racist or offensive. ARMY, BTS’s dedicated fanbase, quickly stepped up to defend Kim Taehyung. They explained that the beard and bandana were only part of the MV’s concept and artistic vision.
Also Read: BTS Jungkook Addresses Backlash Over Deleted Livestream, Says THIS!
They also cleared up the confusion about the bandana and pointed out that V wore a regular bandana, which is a common fashion item, not a durag. Several fans asked haters to learn the difference before accusing him. One fan even raised the question of whether having a beard alone could be considered racist. Others noted that Korean men can grow facial hair too, though it is not very common. They felt some people were creating issues by turning small details into unnecessary drama.
Overall, most ARMYs stood strongly by the ‘Slow Dancing’ singer and praised his new look and style in the video.
Also Read: BTS Min Yoongi Reveals Meaning Behind Stage Name Suga And ARMYs Aren’t Convinced At All. Here’s Why!