‘How to unfilo’ trends after photos of truck for BTS’ Jin spreads online

“How to unfilo” began trending on Twitter last August 25 after rumors that a Filipino fan of k-pop group BTS arranged a protest truck on behalf of one of the group’s member, Jin.

Stationed outside of the group’s agency, Big Hit Entertainment, the truck displayed claims of the mistreatment of Jin in terms of line distribution and screen time compared to his members. Aside from this, it included demands for better opportunities such as acting ventures for the k-pop idol. 

This caused mixed reactions from the BTS ARMY, as photos of the truck circulated online. Some fans supported the message of the truck, believing it to be an effective way of speaking up about the alleged injustice. 

On the other hand, several ARMYs have expressed their concerns regarding the truck, seeing it as out of line as it may lead to humiliation for Jin and the rest of BTS. Furthermore, they believe there are better ways of reaching out to the company.

Several tweets surfaced, claiming that a Filipino fan had been responsible for the protest truck. This caused some Filipino ARMYs to trend “how to unfilo” on Twitter, stating their desire to stop being Filipino due to the shame brought about by the Filipino fan. Filo is considered an modern term for Filipino. 

Other Filipino ARMYs argue that the statement is blatantly disrespectful as it displays fans choosing their fandoms over their sense of nationalism. Aside from this, the trend is perceived as degrading and generalizing for Filipino fans.

Whether or not the truck was sent by a Filipino fan has not been confirmed, but if it is, perhaps that person needs to rethink whether it’s worth sacrificing national pride for fandoms.

POP! Creator Community / Christian Segui

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