BTS: Fans Call Out ‘Problematic’ Tourist Map That Shows Jungkook’s Grandmother’s Old Home
As one of the biggest musical acts in the world, BTS attracts interest from countless of people. One tourist map from the city of Busan capitalized on this by showing off member Jungkook’s grandmother’s old home. However, the map is now being criticized by fans for possibly invading some private citizens’ privacy.
Jungkook is from Busan
Jungkook was born and raised in Busan, which is the second-most-populous city in Korea. Busan is located on Korea’s southern coast and is known for its beaches and tasty seafood. Another BTS member, Jimin, is from Busan as well.
While growing up in Busan, Jungkook dreamed of becoming a singer. When he was in middle school, he decided to move to the capital city of Seoul to pursue his dream. He joined Big Hit Music (formerly called Big Hit Entertainment) and debuted with BTS at the age of 15.
Fans call out ‘problematic’ tourist map that shows Jungkook’s grandmother’s old home
According to AllKpop, a map published of the Yeonsan village in Busan came under fire for highlighting Jungkook’s grandmother’s old home. The map also features places of interest, such as tourist attractions, schools, and parks.
“When we drew up the village map, it was suggested that we should include interesting elements, so we decided to include locations related to idol stars,” the Yeonsan Village Welfare Center explained.
The house is currently vacant, but local residents have reportedly been complaining of tourists coming by and asking about the house. One person said, “I don’t know where the location of the home is, but young people come and ask where it is. It’s rude for locals to mark a residential area on the map as the residence of a famous singer’s grandmother.”
A number of people also commented on the AllKpop article and agreed with local residents.
“That’s so inappropriate,” one commenter wrote. “Imagine when people eventually do move in and they’ll be hounded be fans wanting to see where Jungkook’s grandmother lived. I don’t know why they’d make that public knowledge in the first place!”
Meanwhile, another person said, “I wish people will separate idols’ private life from their work life; this is so problematic.”
The members of BTS have had their privacy invaded numerous times
As international stars, Jungkook and other members of BTS are no strangers to having their privacy invaded.
For example, when Jungkook graduated from high school in 2017, a large number of fans flocked to his graduation ceremony and students had to form a human barrier.
BTS also has many stalker fans who go as far as to find out their flight schedules and follow them on planes. Member V has even called out these fans and said these behaviors make the group feels “uncomfortable.”
Other stalker fans also try to visit their hotel rooms and get the members’ personal contact information. Jungkook also received a phone call from one of these fans during a live stream, but he shared that he usually blocks these people.
