ARMYs defend J-Hope after he was criticized for his recent "skinship" with the bride

 

Recently, the wedding of renowned fashion stylist and visual director Kim Youngjin, also known as Kim Venchy, has gone viral on social media, thanks to its star-studded guest list featuring none other than BTS and NCT. While NCT surprised attendees with a live performance to celebrate newlyweds, BTS leader RM took center stage as the official MC of the event, charming guests with his wit and presence.

Joining RM at the wedding were fellow BTS members J-Hope and Suga, were seen laughing, chatting and fully enjoying the joyful atmosphere of the ceremony. With so many A-list stars coming together in one place to celebrate one love, fans couldn't help but call it a "dream wedding."

They said, considering the status of stylist Kim and his wife in the industry, such a high-profile guest list comes as no surprise. Kim Venchy as long been one of South Korea's top fashion stylists and has served as BTS's main stylist for years. He's the creative mind behind many of the group's most iconic looks in music videos, performances, and public appearances—including global projects like "My Universe" with Coldplay and the symbolic MV for "Yet To Come."

More than just a longtime stylist, Kim also a close friend of the BTS members. Their friendship has been well-documented in behind-the-scenes moments—RM was even seen holding Kim's baby daughter and expressing deep emotion at the wedding. Taehyung once gifted the same baby girl a luxurious toy car, highlighting just how cherished Kim and his family are within the BTS circle.

Meanwhile, Kim's wife, Lee Hajeong, is also no stranger to the K-pop scene. She's been styling BTS since 2013 and previously worked with 2NE1 back in 2009. Many fans and media outlets refer to her as a"visual director" or "coordi" for BTS, further reflecting her influence behind-the-scenes.

Despite the clear close was between newlyweds and BTS, J-Hope found himself at the centre of unwarranted criticism after a photo of him and the bride surfaced online. The image—which shows the bride holding J-Hope's hand while they lose for a commemorative photo after the ceremony—sparked debate, with some netizens claiming the gesture the gesture was "too intimate."

Some of the more negative comments included:

— "Why is he holding the bride's hand?"

— "Seems like she was attempting to switch husband..."

— "Guests usually don't do that"

— "My mom asked me if J-Hope was getting married after seeing this"

— "This is crazy! What is this?

While these remarks gained traction on social media, the backlash was quickly met with an overwhelming defender from ARMYs, who railed to support J-Hope and denounce the unfair accusations.

Fans emphasized that J-Hope's actions were completely appreciate and aligned with his naturally warm and friendly personality. ARMYs also pointed out the importance of context—Lee Hajeong isn't a stranger to BTS but a trusted team member and long-standing stylist who has been part of their journey since the beginning. Similarly, the groom is more than just a stylist—he's a friend and longtime collaborator.

Given the emotional and personal nature of weddings, especially one filled with close friends, the gesture should be viewed as a sincere and affectionate way of congratulating someone special—not something to criticize. Many fans expressed frustration that J-Hope wss being targeted for such a harmless and kind moment.

ARMYs comments:

💜 J-Hope is such a warm person, and everyone knows he's always respectful

💜 That moment was beautiful to me. That's the J-Hope I love—genuine, gentle, and always loves him

💜 Forget about holding hands with the bride on her wedding day... Oh everyone loves him

💜  If Jung Hoseok shows up at my wedding, I too, would leave my husband for him. But I remind you that they're BTS's close friends and as staffs, the even have a baby girl

💜 I like the pic... Hoseok is friendly with the bride and groom both nice to see

💜 People are really reaching. That moment was clearly just a friendly and respectful gesture J-Hope has always been warm and kind—let's not twist that into something it's not 

💜  This is a man who boss to staffs, thanks fans at every turn, and treats everyone with gentle respect.one photo shouldn't be used to question his character

💜  ARMYs know J-Hope's heart. That was a wedding full of close friends, not a red carpet event. There is nothing inappropriate about showing affections in a celebratory setting

💜  The bride and groom are longtime collaborators and friends of BTS. If they felt comfortable, why should strangers on the internet be offended on their behalf?

💜 You can tell from the atmosphere that everyone there was full of happiness. That hand-holding was nothing but sweet and respectful

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"Skinship" is a term that originates from Japan and Korea, describing close and affectionate physical contact between people, usually to show affection or emotional closeness. Although the word is not commonly used in English, in Korean and Japanese culture, "skinship" often refers to things like:

Holding hands

Hugging

Resting one's head on someone

Touching shoulders or arms

Non-romantic or romantic physical contact that shows closeness

In the context of K-Pop idols or celebrities, skinship can be a sensitive topic because fans often pay close attention to their physical interactions with others, especially with the opposite sex.

So, "skinship" means physical closeness or bodily touch that expresses intimacy or affection.