Seoul, South Korea – Videos circulating online this week show BTS member Suga maintaining a markedly reserved demeanor upon the group’s return to South Korea on February 9, prompting both praise and scrutiny from fans and media observers. While other members of the K-pop group interacted with reporters and cameras at Incheon International Airport, Suga proceeded through the arrival hall wearing headphones and without acknowledging the press, a pattern of behavior he has demonstrated consistently over the years.
The reaction sparked a flurry of discussion on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), with some fans expressing support for Suga’s choice to limit engagement with the Korean media. Posts using the hashtag #bts and #suga highlighted perceived past grievances, with some users alleging unfair treatment by certain media outlets, particularly during a period when Suga was recovering from an injury. One user wrote, “kmedia has the audacity to scream and clap for yoongi when y’all are the reason he got a hate train me and yoongi will never forget,” reflecting a sentiment echoed by others.
However, the narrative of Suga “ignoring” the media has also faced pushback from within the fanbase. Some fans cautioned against framing his actions as a deliberate snub, pointing out that he has consistently prioritized a swift exit from airports to avoid causing disruption or potential harm to others. “Unpopular opinion but I think we should stop making hit tweets about him ignoring K-Media every time he shows up at the airport,” one fan posted on X. “First of all, he always rushed at the airport not to bother others and I wouldn’t want antis on Korean side or some of these reporters to mention it.”
Suga himself previously explained his airport routine during a live broadcast, stating his concern for the safety of those around him. “Well, it’s as the airport is a place where I’m not the only one who uses it and I’ve seen people get hurt and bump into each other, etc…,” he said, according to reports. This explanation underscores a long-standing effort to minimize chaos and potential accidents in crowded public spaces.
The group’s return to South Korea followed a week-long filming schedule in Lisbon, Portugal, reportedly for a music video associated with their upcoming “ARIRANG” project. The arrival at Incheon International Airport was met with a large crowd of fans and reporters, requiring intervention from the group’s security personnel to maintain order. V, another member of BTS, was observed gesturing for fans to step back to ensure a safer passage for the group. The incident at the airport comes after the full BTS lineup travelled together from Incheon Airport for the first time in several years, surprising onlookers.
As of February 10, 2026, neither Suga nor BTS’s management company, Big Hit Music, have issued a statement addressing the online discussion surrounding the airport encounter. The group’s schedule remains focused on the completion of the “ARIRANG” music video.
