'Should have been ARMY': Desi fans blame ticketing partner for influencer-heavy turnout at BTS Jungkook's Mumbai exhibition

Karen Noronha | Indiatimes | Dec 13, 2025, 17:56 IST

( Image credit : Instagram/bookmyshow.live | Why Indian BTS ARMY are upset with BookMyShow Live. )

The event has ignited frustration among Indian ARMY, as many feel sidelined in what should have been a fan-first moment.

For Indian K-pop fans who have waited years to see BTS-related events reach home soil, Jungkook's Mumbai exhibition should have felt like a long-awaited win. HYBE opening an office in Mumbai and bringing GOLDEN: The Moments, an exhibition dedicated to Jungkook's solo debut album Golden, initially seemed like proof that India was finally on the global BTS map.

Instead, the event has ignited a wave of frustration among Desi ARMY, many of whom feel sidelined during what should have been a fan-first moment.

( Image credit : Instagram/bookmyshow.live | GOLDEN: The Moments, an exhibition dedicated to Jungkook's solo debut album Golden. )

Why Indian BTS ARMY are upset with BookMyShow Live

The exhibition, organised in partnership with BookMyShow Live, reportedly hosted influencers for preview access ahead of the official public opening. This decision has not gone down well with long-time fans, who argue that priority should have been given to dedicated ARMY members rather than social media creators with little to no visible connection to BTS.

Fans online pointed out that several influencers invited to the event neither follow BTS nor have previously engaged with the group's music or activities - leading to accusations that the exhibition was treated as a branding opportunity rather than a celebration of Jungkook's artistry.

If you were waiting for a sign to visit the exhibition, this is it! 🥹 pic.twitter.com/TrHdAmi0mJ

— BookMyShow.Live (@Bookmyshow_live) December 12, 2025

Indian ARMY take to X over influencer culture

As photos and videos from the influencer previews surfaced, Indian ARMY voiced their anger on X (formerly Twitter), directly tagging BookMyShow and BookMyShow Live. Many questioned whether future K-pop events in India - including the possibility of a BTS concert - would also prioritise influencers over fans.

Some fans even drew comparisons to similar controversies during major international concerts in India, arguing that influencer-first access has become a recurring issue in live entertainment experiences.

We waited YEARS for a bts moment in India and when it finally happens for the first time ever, the first and free access goes to influencers who don’t even care about them. Ridiculous pic.twitter.com/3ZG4brU2FE

— dani_ (@kooxyard14) December 12, 2025

Seriously?? TRY to include real ARMYs reviews next time. DO BETTER. we DO NOT need bunch of random influencers/clout chasers to promote our boys. WE NEED ARMY'S REVIEW. It's truly disappointing to see all the random pick mes but ARMY. NOBODY wants them, especially not US. thanks.

— ꜱᴛᴀɴᴅɪɴɢ ɴᴇxᴛ ᴛᴏ ʏᴏᴜ⁷🧸 | 🍝 | (BARELY ACTIVE) (@outofloverpwp) December 12, 2025

Influencers????? Btch couldn’t y’all show us the real genuine armys wtfff pic.twitter.com/byehehIniY

— sneha⁷ ᥫ᭡. (@taexdec) December 12, 2025

Seriously influencers!?! pic.twitter.com/Jy348MEahv

— Nivi.k.BTS⁷ (@Nivik123) December 12, 2025

K-pop's growing presence in India raises expectations

Over the past few years, Indian K-pop fans have steadily seen more artists include India in global schedules. Acts like Jackson Wang, Eric Nam, The Rose, Suho, BamBam, Taemin, and groups such as M.O.N.T have appeared at festivals and standalone events, raising hopes that the market is finally being taken seriously.

Against this backdrop, Jungkook's exhibition carried extra emotional weight - especially with BTS expected to release new music and potentially tour globally in 2026. For many fans, the Mumbai stop felt symbolic, making the influencer-heavy rollout all the more disappointing.

Jung Kook Exhibition is officially open! Step into his golden world today.

📆 Dates: December 12, 2025 ~ January 11, 2026

📍 Location: Mehboob Studios, 100 Hill Road, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050, India

🔗 Get your tickets now: https://t.co/m5zpVJXNk8 #JungKook #정국… pic.twitter.com/GNz86DO2zq

— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) December 12, 2025

Inside 'GOLDEN: The Moments': Jungkook's solo journey

Running from December 12 to January 11 at Mehboob Studios, GOLDEN: The Moments offers an immersive look into Jungkook's musical evolution and the making of his 2023 solo album.

The exhibition features multiple themed zones, including:

Records, showcasing plaques and career milestones
Sounds, where visitors can explore individual audio elements from Jungkook's songs
Theatre, displaying outfits worn during performances
Moments, a time capsule filled with photos, videos, and stage looks from the Golden era

Songs like Seven, Standing Next to You, and 3D form the backbone of the experience, highlighting Jungkook’s growth as a solo artist.

[PRESS] India a powerful melting pot global majors are watching: HYBE Chairman Bang Si-Hyukhttps://t.co/RJ1U0CLmE9

— HYBE India (@HYBE_INDIA) December 9, 2025

Fans ask for one thing: put ARMY first

At the heart of the backlash is a simple demand from Indian fans - recognition. As BTS-related events slowly find their way to India, ARMY hope organisers will prioritise genuine fan engagement over influencer optics.

For a fandom known for its loyalty and global impact, Jungkook's Mumbai exhibition has become less about celebration and more about a larger conversation: who K-pop events in India are really being made for.