Lee wrote in a March 21 social media post that she was watching BTS’s comeback live show on Netflix. Alongside clips of the performance, she remarked: “The leader speaks English, and the others still can’t even after 10 years. But I love them all.”

BTS leader RM is widely known as the group’s only fluent English speaker, having learned the language in part by watching the sitcom “Friends,” as reported by the South China Morning Post.

Lee’s post quickly went viral, prompting mixed reactions online. Some users supported her, describing the comment as “honest” and reflective of a genuine fan perspective, while others criticized it as derogatory toward the group, according to Chosun Biz.

Amid the backlash, Lee addressed the controversy in a follow-up post on Monday, as cited by Maeil Business Newspaper.

“In this country, are the families of famous people not even allowed to enjoy being fans in peace?” she wrote. “I’ve been a private citizen for a long time since retiring. I’m just one person out of 8.48 billion.”

Lee also clarified that her comment was not meant to offend, noting that BTS members themselves often joke about their English abilities during livestreams, a dynamic she found amusing.

“I’m not someone who speaks English well, and I’m certainly not in any position to comment on other people’s English skills,” she said, emphasizing her intent.

During BTS’s high-profile comeback event at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, held to celebrate the release of their fifth full-length album “Arirang,” member Jimin drew laughter when attempting to speak in English, admitting he had forgotten a prepared sentence and had to rely on prompts.

The group also addressed the topic during a live broadcast on March 20, when they discussed the track “Aliens,” which includes a lyric that references RM as the only fluent English speaker. RM acknowledged the dynamic, saying he is proud the group is loved worldwide despite language differences.

Jimin playfully teased the situation, noting the group has promoted in the U.S. for over a decade, while RM joked about wanting more back-and-forth conversations instead of constantly translating.

Formed in 2010 and debuting in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment, now part of HYBE conglomerate, BTS began as a hip-hop group before expanding into a wide range of musical styles. The group broke into the global market in 2017 and went on to become the first South Korean act to receive a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for the single “Mic Drop” and the first South Korean act to top the Billboard 200 chart with “Love Yourself: Tear” in 2018.

Jun, 45, debuted in 1998 and rose to fame with the 2001 romantic comedy “My Sassy Girl.” She has since starred in major box-office hits such as “The Thieves” and “Assassination,” as well as popular television dramas including “My Love from the Star” and “The Legend of the Blue Sea,” cementing her status as a leading figure of the Korean Wave.