- By Srishti Pandey
- Wed, 29 Jan 2025 04:18 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
BTS Jhope recently delivered a show-stopping performance at the Le Gala Des Pièces Jaunes in Paris, a charity event hosted by France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron and her foundation, Opération Pièces Jaunes. The event, which featured several Kpop stars, including BLACKPINK’s Rosé and BIGBANG’s G-Dragon and Taeyang, was a treat for music lovers. However, Jhope’s interaction with Brigitte Macron and French President Emmanuel Macron has sparked a debate among fans.
Jhope’s presence at the gala was highly anticipated, with Brigitte Macron personally urging people to support the artist ahead of the event. Following his electrifying performance, she greeted him warmly on stage, sharing a hug and later posing for photos backstage with her husband, President Emmanuel Macron. While many saw this as a proud moment for the BTS rapper, a section of ARMY was not too pleased.
Some netizens were quick to express their concerns, claiming that Jhope was being used for political gain. Social media was filled with reactions questioning the intentions behind the warm reception he received. A few fans pointed out Brigitte Macron’s political history, arguing that she was leveraging BTS’s global popularity to improve public perception.
He was the main event and they knew his power 🔥 🔥 🔥 and the way the 1st lady of France went all the way to say hi to him 🔥🔥🔥🔥
— Whalien 52 🐳🐙 ⁷ ⟭⟬ ⟬⟭ ᴮᴱ (@J_hoya52) January 25, 2025
J-hope with macron ( France president) and the First lady 🔥#jhope_at_GalaDesPiècesJaunes#GalaDesPiècesJaunes#jhope pic.twitter.com/IJNsSMGeiZ
OMG...Brigitte Macron, the first lady of France, mentioned hobi!!
— jayvee (@uarmyvibe) January 21, 2025
👧: Thank you so much for the Gala! We will be there! It will be so fun.
Macron: Yeah, did you see j-hope? He is here!
👧:Yes, we saw him this morning pic.twitter.com/GM5ZUGFcro
Brigitte Macron, The First Lady of France greeted #JHOPE at the end of Gala des Pieces Jaunes!
— BTS Charts Daily (@btschartsdailyc) January 24, 2025
J-HOPE AT GALA DES PIÈCES JAUNES#JHOPExGalaDesPiècesJaunes#HOPEforCharity #jhopeinParis#제이홉X갈라DesPièceJaunes
pic.twitter.com/hSomSGVI4F
One netizen wrote, "BTS is being used as a political tool AGAIN. We need to stop pretending politicians genuinely support them. This is just propaganda." Others echoed similar sentiments, expressing discomfort over the political connections being drawn to the interaction.
While many congratulated Jhope on the recognition, the mixed reactions highlight how BTS’ global influence often intersects with politics. Some fans believe this is a natural outcome of the group's worldwide fame, while others feel protective of BTS and wary of political figures using their platform for publicity.