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On November 24, 2023, HYBE, formerly known as BigHit Music, introduced a new remix of Jungkook’s popular track “3D,” featuring American artist Justin Timberlake. This collaboration was part of a series showcasing Jungkook’s widespread recognition in the music industry through diverse partnerships with various artists.
The announcement stirred intense debates online, largely fueled by allegations regarding Justin Timberlake’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Some fans, disheartened by Timberlake’s reported support for Israel, expressed their reluctance to endorse him. This sparked discussions among fans about whether they could separate their admiration for Jungkook from their reservations about Timberlake’s political views.
Amid these discussions, fans exhibited a mix of reactions. While numerous members of the BTS ARMY expressed dissatisfaction with the collaboration, others showed support for Jungkook through his other songs and remixes, attempting to distance themselves from Timberlake’s alleged political stance. This episode underscored the complexities arising when artists collaborate, especially when their political beliefs become a point of contention among their fanbases.
The controversies surrounding Timberlake extended beyond the Israel-Palestine issue. He faced criticism for signing an open letter, alongside other Hollywood figures, thanking President Joe Biden for supporting Israel, drawing ire from those condemning Israel’s actions as human rights violations. Timberlake’s association with this letter and his stance on the political crisis amplified disapproval from certain quarters.
Moreover, Timberlake’s alleged mistreatment of Britney Spears, which surfaced in 2023, further fueled widespread disapproval and intensified calls for caution in collaborations with artists facing scrutiny.
Meanwhile, on November 22, 2023, HYBE unexpectedly announced the initiation of the military enlistment process for the remaining four BTS members, surprising their fandom. On the same day, Jungkook penned an emotional letter on Weverse, confirming his enlistment in the South Korean military scheduled for December 2023. The letter conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to fans and appealed for their patience until his anticipated return in 2025, after fulfilling 18 months of mandatory military service.