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    BTS faces backlash over lyrics of a 2014 track Skool Luv Affair; critics say, 'Misogyny is that this group exists'

    K-pop supergroup BTS is facing renewed scrutiny after lyrics from one of its early songs resurfaced online, igniting debate around language, intent and evolving social standards. The controversy has reignited discussions about accountability for past art in an industry that has since undergone significant cultural change.

    Almas M
    January 19, 2026 / 17:51 IST
    BTS faces backlash
    Snapshot AI
    • BTS faces backlash over resurfaced 2014 lyrics accused of ableism and coercion
    • Fans argue lyrics are misinterpreted and meant to show emotional resilience
    • RM's verse sparks controversy over the use of "retard" in a technical context.

    K-pop band BTS has found itself at the center of controversy after lyrics from one of the group’s early releases resurfaced on social media, sparking accusations of ableism and sexual violence glorification.

    The debate gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), revolving around a brief clip from the lyric video of Skool Luv Affair, a track released in 2014 when the group was still in its rookie phase.

    The criticism stemmed from a short excerpt of RM’s rap verse, in which he says, “You know that her refusals / And bad words could never stop me / They could never retard me.”

    Several users interpreted the lines as implying sexual coercion and objected to the use of the word “retard,” labelling it an ableist slur. Posts accusing BTS of “singing about rape” quickly began circulating, drawing strong reactions from both critics and fans.

    As the clip spread, many users condemned the group without engaging with the full song or its broader lyrical context. However, BTS fans were equally quick to respond, arguing that the accusations were based on a misreading and selective framing of the lyrics.

    According to fans, the disputed lines are not sexual in nature but part of a broader narrative about emotional resilience and unreciprocated love. In the larger context of the song, RM is describing the persistence of his feelings despite rejection, not the act of forcing affection. Supporters pointed to the lines that follow, “When I love, it’s like I’ve never been hurt before / Even if love takes everything from me, I’ll still give”.

    ARMYs also addressed the controversy around the word “retard,” explaining that it was not used as a derogatory term toward a person or group. Instead, they argued, the rapper employed the word in its technical sense, meaning “to slow down,” which is linguistically the opposite of “accelerate.”

    Almas M is an independent entertainment writer. Views expressed are personal.
    first published: Jan 19, 2026 05:51 pm

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