Why #HybeProtectJimin is Trending on X: Fans Outraged Over Novel Portraying BTS Idol Jimin as a Villain

Numerous BTS enthusiasts have voiced their discontent regarding the release of a book that purportedly vilifies BTS member Jimin. Fans have taken to social media, utilizing the hashtag #HybeProtectJimin. The book, titled Ocean, was initially published on Wattpad, an online platform dedicated to reading and writing stories.

In the book’s original version, the Serendipity singer is portrayed as a bully and harasser. The narrative focuses on a Boy Love (BL) relationship between BTS members Jungkook and Taehyung, often referred to as “Taekook”.

Within the BTS fandom, those who are particularly fond of the Jungkook and Taehyung pairing are identified as “Taekookers”. A segment of the fans believes that “Taekookers”primarily support the duo, frequently sidelining the other five members. Currently, author Emma Emond is receiving backlash for depicting Jimin unfavorably.

The backlash against Ocean escalated after the author organized a book signing event. Voicing their exasperation, a fan shared images from the signing and wrote:

“With the name of Christ, can these people stop using Jimin as a villain in their fics? I’m sick of it. And moreover, they did it for money?? Too much already! The author is sick, I can say that.”

“So a Taekookers wrote an entire Wattpad fic making Jimin the villain and now they’re selling it? The absolute disrespect he is getting over this ridiculous poorly written story is beyond disgusting. This fandom has hit rock bottom,”another fan expressed.

Some followers have also encouraged others to report the author’s Wattpad profile and alert Hybe via the agency’s newly launched online portal, designed for reporting defamatory content and copyright infringements.

“Please report her on Wattpad and with Hybe on the link they provided a few days ago. This is so wrong & I can’t believe there are people lined up for an autograph! All these delulu shippers are so disgusting,”another user remarked.

In response to the uproar, Emond deleted the story from Wattpad and clarified that the published version was no longer associated with BTS.

Yet, tensions persist as fans are urging Hybe to take measures to safeguard Jimin’s reputation and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

“The audience buying your book is STILL purchasing it based on the premise that it’s a Taekook fanfic where Jimin is characterized as a villain. Deleting the Wattpad book isn’t enough. You’re still profiting from defaming and undermining Jimin’s character. Unpublish the book,”a fan contended.

“You changed the names not out of concern for the members but because you are afraid of being sued; it’s against PIPA law in South Korea to release the printed version with the members’ names and images,”another person noted.

Emma Emond Alters Character Names Following Backlash from Jimin Fans

In light of the criticism, Emma Emond has amended the character names in her book and distanced the story from BTS. She stated that Ocean is no longer associated with BTS or Korea, having been transformed into an original narrative featuring different characters. On her X account, she explained:

“The names have CHANGED. This is not about BTS or even Korea anymore. This is not a BTS story any longer, but an original story with MY own characters. I would be very angry too if a Taekook story was published, but my book is NOT a Taekook story anymore AT ALL!”

Despite these modifications, numerous fans remain unconvinced. They accuse Emond of profiting from Jimin’s negative portrayal and exploiting BTS for financial gain. Critics argue that such depictions not only tarnish the idol’s dignity but also generate unwarranted negative narratives about him.

Jimin is currently fulfilling his mandatory military service, having enlisted in December 2023, with an expected discharge date in June 2025.

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