"Respect his privacy": Fans raise conerns as photos of BTS Jimin leaving HYBE late-night on a bicycle goes viral online

On December 30, 2025, fans of BTS member Jimin expressed concern after a photo and a short clip of the idol went viral on social media, particularly on X. The footages reportedly showed Jimin riding a bicycle late at night, around 1 am (KST), while heading home after leaving the HYBE building.

According to online discussions, the photo was allegedly taken by individuals who encountered him on the road. However, a large section of fans claimed that the image and clip were captured by stalkers, also known as sasaeng fans.

These fans voiced their concerns in the comments section on X, urging others not to circulate content taken without consent. Many fans emphasized that sharing such photos violated Jimin’s privacy.

They pointed out that Jimin was known to enjoy cycling and should be allowed to do so without being photographed or followed. Several users also called on people to leave him alone and respect his personal space.

They stress that the idol deserved to live like a normal individual outside of his public schedule. One fan commented,

""A fan" Some of you are very quick to spread misinformation. To clarify, the original uploader said it was someone else, and even if it were him, you would have no reason to spread that content. Respect his privacy and stop sharing the first thing you see"

Fans repeatedly stressed that sharing images taken without the artist’s consent was unacceptable. They urged others to respect Jimin’s privacy, raising awareness about the importance of personal boundaries.

Fans continued to emphasize that the images were taken by stalkers, repeatedly expressing that sharing such photos only encouraged invasive behavior.

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HYBE issues legal update amid renewed privacy concerns involving BTS' Jimin

In recent years, concerns surrounding artist like BTS' Jimin and other’s privacy and online safety have grown significantly, drawing attention from fans, artists, and entertainment agencies alike. In response to these issues, HYBE Labels has shared updates on the legal actions being taken to protect its artists from malicious activities and privacy violations.

As part of these efforts, BIGHIT Music, the HYBE subsidiary that manages BTS, on December 29, 2025, posted a detailed notice on Weverse addressing ongoing privacy concerns and legal proceedings related to the group. The agency stated that it initiated legal action against individuals responsible for malicious posts targeting its artists.

These cases were identified through fan reports and internal monitoring across multiple platforms. These included domestic online communities, music sites, and international social media platforms such as X, Instagram, and YouTube.

In its statement, BIGHIT Music reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward defamation, insulting language, false rumors and the manipulation or distribution of misinformation, including content generated using AI. The agency confirmed that fines were being already l imposed in at least one case involving insulting posts, while other cases remain under investigation, with the agency aiming to ensure criminal penalties where applicable.

The label also addressed repeated incidents involving serious invasions of privacy near artists’ residences. These incidents include unauthorized visits, attempts to approach or observe residences, stalking, filming private spaces, and leaving objects near artists’ homes.

According to BIGHIT Music, such actions are promptly reported to the police, and the agency actively cooperates with investigations. In some cases, the prosecution has already requested summary orders.

BIGHIT Music emphasized that behaviors threatening an artist’s privacy and safety were subject to criminal punishment and could cause severe psychological distress. The agency stressed that such actions were unacceptable under any circumstances and confirmed that it would continue to respond with the highest level of strictness.

The statement also called on fans to support artists through respectful and considerate behavior, noting that protecting artist safety and privacy is essential to maintaining a healthy fan culture. Beyond BTS, HYBE issued similar notices regarding legal proceedings against violations of artist rights for several other artists under the company.

These included XT, CORTIS, SEVENTEEN, TWS, LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, ENHYPEN, ILLIT, BOYNEXTDOOR, and Zico. Each notice was shared through the respective artists’ official Weverse platforms.

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In a separate update involving Jimin, on December 15, 2025, the BTS member has been officially named the new global ambassador for the premium Korean haircare brand LADOR. Founded in Seoul in 2007, the brand is known for its science-driven haircare products.

Edited by Adrija Chakraborty