A newly formed Western boy band publicly criticizes BTS, sparking outrage among ARMYs

 

BTS are among the world's top K-pop superstars, boasting unparalleled global influence and name recognition. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that many irrelevant figures frequently mentioned the group as a way to attract massive attention. That is precisely why the term "clout-chasing" exists. 

ARMYs are well aware that there are countless fame-hungry individuals attempting to ride on BTS's coattails, and they often choose to ignore them since, at the end of the day, these people are largely insignificant. However, that does not mean they are free to say whatever they want—especially when it comes to making negative remarks about BTS. Any form of insult or defamation should never be tolerated, particularly when it comes from those regarded as the group's juniors.

On December 14, ARMYs were left outraged after discovering that a newly formed boy group backed by Simon Cowell had made what many described as "ridiculous" remarks about BTS. The backlash stemmed from a short clip taken from Netflix's Simon Cowell: The Next Act, in which Cruz—one of the seven members—openly mocked BTS's ability to sell out Wembley Stadium and bluntly labelled the group as "terrible." 

"If BTS can sell out Wembley stadium in flipping five minutes, we could sell out Pluto in five minutes. Another planet. Nah, I'm serious. They're terrible," he said.

simon’s new boy group speaking on bts.. LIKE WHO TF ARE YOU?? 😭😭pic.twitter.com/wJSzuEYx84

— rim ✦ (@bratzlibra) December 14, 2025

 These comments were entirely unnecessary and hostile, given that the group have absolutely no connection whatsoever. This raises the question: what was Cruz's real intention behind making such remarks? According to fans, it was nothing more than a deliberate attempt to spark controversy and draw attention ahead of his group's debut.

Indeed, he succeeded in grabbing attention by dragging BTS's name into his inflammatory statement. However, the backlash faced by both him and his group may very well detail an artistic career that has not even had the chance to begin. December 10 was only recent formed through Cowell's latest project, and none of the members have officially debuted or released a single song. Yet they have already managed to provoke widespread public disdain by attempting to gain fame in such a contemptible manner.

Moreover, December 10's remarks further highlight the stark disparity in stature between them and BTS—a group whose scale and legacy they cannot hope to reach. BTS are among the very few Asian acts to have sold out Wembley Stadium within minutes, with a career spanning over a decade, multiple million-selling albums, a global-scale fandom, and cultural influence that extends far beyond music. In contrasts, December 10 are still merely dreaming of fame on and uninhabited planet. Using BTS as the butt of mockery does not reflect confidence; rather, it exposes deep insecurity in individuals lacking both credibility and ability.

Additionally, fans are hardly unfamiliar with the publicity tactics employed by groups created under Simon Cowell. In the past, another Cowell-backed boy band, CNCO, also spoke ill of BTS and engaged in racist behaviour by mocking the Korean language during their debut period—once again in an attempt to gain attention. Needless to say, CNCO completely failed to rise to prominence using such a disgraceful strategy. They ultimately flipped as though they had never existed in the industry and, years later, were forced to return with a noticeably more humble attitude toward BTS.

For artists, such morally questionable behaviour should be deemed unacceptable from the very start. Not only ARMYs but also general netizens are now flocking to criticise posts related to this new group, asserting that artists like December 10 should be removed from the industry altogether further negative influence:

ARMYs comments

1. Simon's new boy group speaking on BTS... Like, who TF are you?? Congrats—career even before it even started.

2. This is probably Simon Cowell's strategy to get them public attention, just ignore them and let them flop in silence.

3. This is clearly rage bait. The know how big BTS are and how talking about them brings attention—from ARMYs defending them and from antis applauding them for dragging BTS. Good or bad, this is only puts a spotlight on them. Let's ignore it. This is just promo.

4. No one is supporting them. Don't worry, guys. They flopped before they even had the chance to officially debut.

5. Boy bands aspiring to take BTS's place in global mainstream music are always cocky and shady toward them. This new band downplaying and disrespecting BTS, with the "if some Koreans could do it, we can do it, we can do it 100x better" attitude, will face the same reality check. 

6. The racism in their tone while comparing themselves to BTS—hopefully the "next BTS" narrative never happens.

7. The microaggressions in their tone show exactly why this group exists in the first place.

8. It's comforting to know that BTS will be back in 2026 and outshine all those people who think they're somebody.

9. His last attempt at creating another boy groups tanked so badly. I'm giving this one a few months before they disband. You haven't debuted or performed yet. You've proven nothing, yet you're already disrespecting groups that made history and brought people together. 

10. The group's only "career" will end right here. What kind of music could such ignorant juniors possibly produce? It would be best for them to disband before causing any further harm.