Speculation is swirling among K-pop fans after BTS' RM posted a photo on Instagram, with many interpreting it as a subtle jab at BLACKPINK's Rosé following her loss at the 2026 Grammy Awards. The awards show, held on February 1st, saw Rosé nominated in three categories for her collaboration with Bruno Mars, "APT.," including the prestigious Record of the Year and Song of the Year. However, the song did not win in any of the nominated categories.
Shortly after the ceremony, RM, the leader of BTS, posted a photo of himself wearing a hat with the words "We Rose Everywhere". The timing of the post, combined with the seemingly pointed message on the hat, led many netizens to speculate that RM was subtly shading Rosé.
The reactions have been varied. Some fans believe the post was intentional, highlighting the fact that BTS has been nominated for Grammys several times but has yet to win. They argue that RM's post could be interpreted as a reminder of BTS's achievements and a subtle dig at Rosé's loss. Others dismiss the speculation as far-fetched, suggesting that the hat was simply a fashion choice and the timing a mere coincidence. These fans argue that it is unfair to attribute malicious intent to RM without concrete evidence, and that such speculation only serves to fuel fan wars and create unnecessary drama.
Adding fuel to the fire, some fans have resurfaced past controversies between the two fandoms. Last year, Rosé faced backlash from some ARMY members (BTS fans) after an interview in which she spoke about her Grammy nomination. Some interpreted her words as disrespectful to BTS's previous Grammy nominations and perceived her as downplaying their achievements.
Both BTS and BLACKPINK have been nominated for comebacks this year. BLACKPINK is set to release their mini-album, "Deadline," on February 27. BTS is expected to release their full-length album, "ARIRANG," on March 20.
RM, who was discharged from his mandatory military service in June 2025, has resumed his activities as the global ambassador for Samsung Art TV and was named the angel investor of the AI art platform, Artue. He is also set to unveil his solo art exhibition "RM x SFMOMA" in collaboration with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in October 2026. Rosé has been focusing on her solo career, with her debut solo album "Rosie" released in December 2024. She is currently signed with WME for international representation in her solo endeavors. In a recent interview, Rosé spoke about the challenges of dating as a K-pop star and the importance of protecting her privacy. She also addressed the future of BLACKPINK after their nearly three-year hiatus, expressing gratitude for the group's dynamic.
Whether RM's post was an intentional shade or a simple coincidence remains unconfirmed. The incident underscores the intense scrutiny and speculation that often surround K-pop stars and the passionate, sometimes contentious, nature of their fan bases. As both BTS and BLACKPINK continue their solo and group activities, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely for any further interactions – real or perceived – between the two groups.