BTS’ new single 'Permission to Dance' is all things lovely, but some ARMYs caution against dangers of balloon release

BTS’ new music video Permission to Dance was an instant runaway hit the moment it was released on the internet, but there was just one issue in the video that some ARMYs are now cautioning others not to imitate: releasing balloons into the air.

Permission to Dance is an upbeat and utterly infectious song meant to shine a ray of hope amid the pall of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the end of the music video, countless purple balloons were released in the background as the band members were shown happily dancing, an optimistic scene meant to mark the end of the pandemic. However, countless environmental advocates have already cautioned against the practice of the balloon release due to its harmful effects to the environment. Balloons are also lethal to birds and marine life, both of which sometimes choke or get entangled and suffocate on the balloon.

It was not indicated if the balloons were CGI or if it was done in a controlled environment. But a number of the band's countless fans have already expressed their interest to emulate the gesture of the balloon release.

After the release of the Permission to Dance video, some fans of the band on social media have also pointed out that the practice is harmful to the environment.

Another one said it “bothered me and took me away from the song.” 

“I hope ARMY don’t start setting off purple balloons into the sky now cus BTS did it,” a netizen wrote on Twitter. 

On the other side of the spectrum, there are fans who couldn’t believe that the group is being “canceled” over the issue. An ARMY acknowledged the problem at hand but later suggested that people “just enjoy the song first.”

Meanwhile, an online user made light of the situation as they found the “antis” funny for criticizing the group over it. 

“First, it was being mad at BTS for killing chickens for the BTS meal. Now it’s because they used balloons and not being eco-friendly??” another netizen said. 

It can be noted that BTS, composed of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, RM, and Jungkook, has taken part in some efforts to save the environment. This includes their 2019 partnership with Formula E, which offers electric cars that can help combat climate change. 

That same year, BTS was recognized by the United Nations as they topped the Sustainable Development Group’s list of “Top Sustainability Future Leaders.” Likewise, their fanbase ARMY was named the “Top Rank Sustainable Global Group.”