BTS’ Jin faces disrespect on Italian radio show; fans demand apology and HYBE’s intervention

The issue came to light when a clip from the radio show started circulating online.

A controversy has erupted in the BTS fandom after an Italian radio host disrespected Jin, the oldest member of the global K-pop sensation. The incident occurred during a recent episode of the popular Italian radio show Lo Zoo di 105, where host Marco Mazzoli made demeaning remarks about Jin’s latest solo song, Running Wild. Furious BTS ARMYs have taken to social media, demanding an apology and urging HYBE Labels to take action.

The issue came to light when a clip from the radio show started circulating online. During the broadcast, Marco Mazzoli used curse words and repeatedly asked for Jin’s song to be turned off, calling it a “pain in the ass” (as per fan translations). His sarcastic tone and blatant dismissal of BTS' massive fanbase only further enraged listeners.

At one point, Mazzoli mockingly acknowledged BTS' popularity, saying, “I shouldn’t be insulting a BTS member,” only to follow it up with a careless remark about not caring how fans would react. This unprofessional behaviour instantly sparked outrage among ARMYs worldwide.

BTS fans were quick to mobilse, flooding social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with demands for an apology. Hashtags like #ApologizeToJin and #RespectBTS began trending, with thousands calling out the disrespectful comments.

Many fans also targeted Mazzoli’s Instagram page, leaving comments like, "This is the profile we’re taking down?" and "You will face karma soon." Some called out his actions saying, "Your behavior is pathetic and unprofessional."

If you dont like the artist, dont play their music and then use curse language to look cool. You play their music but can not control your own language? @Radio105 this is a pathetic excuse. Professionalism is not dead! Apologize to Jin and do better!Also this man is so ignorant! https://t.co/POsMBCzXQJ
Mahum Khan (@MayhemActivated) February 1, 2025

THESE TWO CLOWNS WHO ARE INSULTING JIN!!! https://t.co/IrfoyJtAxt https://t.co/HCcxZBCjamhttps://t.co/kK0TB2BmuZAPOLOGIZE TO JIN!RESPECT BTS! pic.twitter.com/wJuHrPmWZf bts paved the way praise account (@MeMyselfAndI_98) February 1, 2025

@Radio105 we demand an official apology for the blatant disrespect toward Jin and BTS. Dismissing an artists work so rudely is unacceptable .RESPECT BTSAPOLOGIZE TO JIN!@bts_bighit @HYBEOFFICIALtwt @BIGHIT_MUSIC, please take actionpic.twitter.com/t2206wWHAS pic.twitter.com/7ziV1bkh2N
BANGTAN DELIGHT BTS YEAR (@Lovly_mochitwin) February 1, 2025

Despite the backlash, Marco Mazzoli refused to apologize, instead claiming that he was merely exercising his right to free speech. He admitted that his comments may have been “harsh” but dismissed ARMY’s reaction as "pathological".

His lack of remorse only fueled more anger among BTS fans, who pointed out that freedom of speech does not justify the use of profanity to degrade an artist's work. Many also emphasised how BTS members have always been respectful toward Western artists, and that such treatment is completely unwarranted.

Fans have been tagging HYBE Labels, demanding action against the disrespectful treatment of their artist. However, HYBE has not yet issued a statement regarding the matter.