After Targeting BTS, They Eventually Backed Down... Brazilian Influencer and Chilean Government Both Bowed to ARMY

[Financial News] The global fandom ARMY once again proved its influence amid controversy surrounding BTS. In Brazil, an influencer who disparaged BTS stopped her social media activity after facing a strong backlash. In Chile, the government reversed its decision to ban a performance after collective action from fans and public opinion forced a change in policy.
Sports Donga reported that Pietra Bertolacci, a 35-year-old conservative influencer in Brazil, described BTS, who appeared on the halftime stage of the World Cup final on the 19th, as "feminine and vain men." It also said Bertolacci claimed she was concerned that BTS had become a cultural standard for the current generation.
The remarks drew sharp criticism locally for reflecting gender stereotypes and prejudice against Korean singers and K-pop. According to Brazilian data analytics firm Nexus, reactions such as likes, comments, and shares on related posts across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook exceeded 1 million over the 24 hours starting on the 22nd.
On X alone, about 23,000 people posted related messages, and the posts recorded 11.4 million impressions. Google searches for Bertolacci's name also surged 2,100% in just one day.
As the controversy spread, Bertolacci deleted the problematic post, made her Instagram account private, and announced that she would suspend her social media activity.
Then, in a statement released on the 24th, she said she had only criticized "a certain aesthetic of the modern entertainment industry" and had no xenophobic intent. She also said she would take legal action against online attacks, but criticism continues locally that her remarks were inappropriate and defined masculinity by appearance and behavior.
In Chile, fan mobilization led to a reversal of a government decision.
According to Emol, Chile's Ministry of Sports has given final approval for the BTS World Tour concert scheduled for October at Santiago National Stadium.
The ministry had initially banned the concert, citing concerns that the installation of a large stage would damage the stadium's grass, but it faced intense protests from local ARMY. Fans staged street demonstrations and called for the show to be approved, while public pressure on the government quickly grew.
In the end, the organizers proposed technical measures to protect the grass and sports facilities. Chile's Ministry of Sports then withdrew its earlier decision, saying that the new installation plan met current regulations.
[email protected] Seo Yoon-kyung Reporter