Lea Salonga has opened up about her decision to unfollow BTS members RM and J-Hope, telling fans that the choice was ultimately about protecting her own well-being rather than punishing the K-pop stars.
The Tony Award-winning actress and Disney Legend addressed the issue during an #AskMissLea session on Threads, where a follower asked why she had stopped following the BTS members online. Salonga acknowledged that her decision could concern fellow fans, but said she felt she needed to step back after becoming too emotionally affected by the situation.
'Yes I did unfollow, but I did it for my own sake,' Salonga said.
She added: 'It's not meant to be punitive to either of them, at all. But I recognised that I was waking up sad and/or upset, or find myself way too affected. This was unhealthy so I took a step back, for me.'
Lea Salonga Says the Decision Was About Her Well-Being
For Salonga, unfollowing RM and J-Hope was not presented as an attempt to send a message to BTS or their fans. Instead, she described it as a personal decision she needed to make after recognising how much the controversy was affecting her emotionally.
The actress also acknowledged that fans are not entitled to anything from their favourite artists. While BTS members are free to make their own choices, Salonga stressed that she is equally free to decide what is best for herself.
'As many fans have rightly pointed out, we are owed nothing really. They are autonomous human beings, but so am I, and whatever decisions I make are mine alone,' she said.
Salonga also apologised to anyone who may have been hurt by her decision, while making clear that causing distress to other fans was never her intention.
Her comments offered a more personal explanation for what might otherwise have appeared to be a simple social media change.
The BTS Fan Said She Needed To Step Back
Salonga was also asked whether she could give RM, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon, and J-Hope, whose real name is Jung Ho-seok, some grace following the controversy.
She explained that her priority at the moment was not deciding whether the two BTS members deserved forgiveness, but creating enough distance to regain her own emotional balance.
'Right now, it's not about giving them grace or not, but rather giving myself the space to stop being upset,' she said.
The singer added that she was still giving them 'as much grace' as she could and reiterated that unfollowing them was not intended as punishment.
'This is a step to take in order for me to be able to enjoy the music again, and I will get there eventually,' Salonga said.
That sentiment is particularly notable given her long-standing affection for BTS and the role the group's music has played in her life.
Lea Salonga Reflects on Accountability
In another part of her Threads discussion, Salonga reflected on her experiences with people she later came to regard as problematic.
She recalled having photographs taken with people who, at the time, did not seem particularly significant to her. Later, after conducting further research and reflecting on those associations, she said some of those memories became uncomfortable.
'I need to hold myself to account for that,' she said.
Rather than suggesting people can erase their past decisions, Salonga said the important thing is to learn from them and make better choices going forward.
'I know that I can't turn back the clock and undo what I've done. All I can do is learn from it and do better moving forward,' she said.
Her comments framed her decision to unfollow RM and J-Hope within a broader personal reflection on accountability, judgement and the choices people make.
Why RM and J-Hope Faced Backlash
The controversy involving RM and J-Hope followed their attendance at a Toronto concert by American singer Chris Brown, who has faced allegations and convictions relating to violence and assault.
The BTS members subsequently faced criticism over their public association with Brown. The backlash also extended beyond individual fans and social media discussions.
The Pixel Project, a women's anti-violence non-profit organisation, announced that it had suspended RM from its list of male role models. In a statement, the organisation said it did not expect its role models to be perfect but argued that public figures should be accountable when their choices have a wider impact.
The criticism surrounding the BTS members has therefore become part of a wider conversation about celebrity accountability and whether public figures should consider the implications of their associations.
Salonga did not frame her decision as a demand for BTS to meet a particular standard. Instead, she focused on her own reaction and the need to create emotional distance.
BTS Once Provided Salonga With Comfort
Despite her decision to unfollow RM and J-Hope, Salonga made it clear that her feelings towards BTS are not simply negative.
She reflected on how much comfort the group gave her during an especially difficult period in her life.
Salonga recalled that in 2020, she was dealing with a separation, raising a teenager and receiving death threats over her political stance, all while the world was dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
'They saved my sanity when I needed saving. I'll never forget that,' she said.
That history helps explain why the situation has been emotionally difficult for her. Salonga's comments suggest that stepping away from the BTS members' social media accounts does not erase the significance their music has had in her life.
A Personal Choice, Not a Permanent Goodbye
For now, the Disney Legend appears to be giving herself time and distance rather than making a definitive statement about her relationship with BTS' music.
Her stated goal is ultimately to reach a point where she can enjoy the group's music again without feeling overwhelmed by the emotions surrounding the controversy.
For a devoted BTS fan, that may mean taking a temporary step back rather than abandoning the fandom altogether.
Salonga's explanation also highlights a broader reality of celebrity fandom: admiration can be deeply personal, but so are the boundaries fans choose to set when their relationship with an artist begins to affect their well-being.
For Salonga, unfollowing RM and J-Hope was therefore less about making a public statement and more about taking care of herself. As she put it, she needed to take a step back so she could eventually return to the music she loves with a clearer mind.
