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Billboard of BTS member Jungkook taken down in Gujranwala after JI politician's complaint

Billboard of BTS member Jungkook taken down in Gujranwala after JI politician's complaint

The poster was part of a series of global celebrations for the Kpop star's birthday and was paid for by a fan.
02 Sep, 2021

Pakistan's BTS ARMY is pretty furious on Twitter and they certainly have reason to be. A billboard that was put up in Gujranwala to celebrate BTS member Jungkook's birthday on September 1 was taken down within hours by a politician.

Korean boyband BTS has a deeply devoted fandom — the BTS ARMY — that doesn't mind putting in the time and effort to make the young men of the music group feel special. They often go the extra mile to wish each member on their birthdays. On Jungkook's birthday this year around, ARMY from all around the world wished the now 24-year-old in unique ways. In India, fans wished the Kpop idol by having bus shelter billboards put up, all of which showed images of Jungkook with text that read 'Happy Jungkook Day'.

ARMY in Pakistan didn't want to be left behind in their efforts. A BTS fan from Gujranwala pulled a few strings with Gujranwala's Chamber of Commerce and had a billboard of Jungkook put up on GT Road, near Sheranwala Bagh in Gujranwala.

The advertiser who owns the billboard, Younus Mughal, told Images that the ad was supposed to stay up for two days. "The business centre of the chamber of commerce had asked us to put the billboard ad up for two days. They had the ad put up before we could do so ourselves."

But the ad disappeared from the billboard in a matter of hours, leaving many fans confused about what exactly had happened.

"We took it off later that same day in the evening. When we saw the ad while removing it, we didn't really get what it was about, just that it showed someone's face. Furqan Aziz Butt from the Jamaat-e-Islami had told us to take ad off immediately," Mughal explained.

“The advertisement was put up by a person from Lahore. They paid Rs100,000 to have it put up for this person’s [Jungkook's] birthday,” Butt, a member of the Jamaat-e-Islami who is contesting the PP-57 Gujranwala seat in the Punjab Assembly, told Images. He is the man behind the billboard being taken down and also posted about it on Facebook.

He claimed the man in the poster [Jungkook] supports homosexuality and hence he deemed it critical to have the poster removed. His claim is not, however, backed up by any evidence in the form of statements or messages by the members of BTS.

“It was a public complaint. We saw it posted on the Amazing Gujranwala [Facebook] group and went there immediately and had it taken down,” he said, adding that it was a 15 by 20 foot vertical board.

New of the ad's removal spread like wildfire on Twitter.

Once more fans became aware why the advertisement was taken down, they expressed resentment and hoped that BTS would never come to Pakistan, given what had happened.

"I hope BTS never notice or come to Pakistan .... It's for the better," said another user.

The Pakistan ARMY drew support from friends across the border.

Kpop stars are no strangers to hate — they are often subjected to baseless criticism for looking ‘effeminate’ — and BTS has also spoken up about facing hate for the way they look, but to hate on and malign someone because you believe their clothing or style is somehow not the norm is a form of toxic masculinity. Men wearing bright colours, makeup and making bold fashion choices doesn’t make them any less manly and shouldn't make them targets for hatred.

Judging people based solely on how they look and dress isn’t doing anyone any favours. We hope people will realise that a poster wishing a musician a happy birthday isn’t harmful and that there are far worse things in the world than people listening to Kpop.

But this road bump isn't likely to deter any BTS fans. As their detractors will soon come to realise, it's very difficult to keep the BTS ARMY down.

Comments

Only Sep 03, 2021 05:05am
Seriously???
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Today Sep 03, 2021 05:34am
Confused lot.. As always
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farhan munawar Sep 03, 2021 06:53am
who cares>?
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Abdul Sep 03, 2021 07:54am
We have the wrong prorities in this country. Is a poster of a pop star really so threatening?
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AH Sep 03, 2021 10:03am
Who actually cares? These bands are not needed in Pakistan.
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Alishba Zafar Sep 03, 2021 08:56pm
ThankyouSo Much For Understanding us. The Article is so beautifully written and spoke the facts that we really wanted to show the people. Thankyou Once Again. Literally Got me into tears when I read it <3
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farooq javed shaikh Sep 03, 2021 09:02pm
A good move to start with.
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Khizer Sep 03, 2021 09:11pm
We all have likes and dislikes! Why can’t we live and let live ?
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Aisha Sep 03, 2021 09:17pm
Oh thank you dawn news for bringing this out to the public. I agree that they had no right to take down the billboard because the fan put so much hard work into it. Even tho it even won't effect BTS at all but most PAK ARMY s really don't want them to come here because of things like this. It's disgusting to even assume someone's sexuality . I really hope that the person has some shame.
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Lia Sep 03, 2021 09:18pm
Don't worry we will still go hard and do a LED project next. Fighting ARMY!
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Lia Sep 03, 2021 09:19pm
@Abdul exactly. Why did they remove it then if wasn't harmful?
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AYESHA Sep 03, 2021 09:20pm
they literally showed how narrow minded they are and how they will not respect anyone they don't like,I myself isn't army but i respect every artist and people,I think they should respect too
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Tannies Sep 03, 2021 09:20pm
Exactly there is nothing wrong with putting a poster, these ppl really need to advance the only thing they care about is a mere poster pathetic. This wont bring Army down but they'll come back even more powerful. Thank you for writing this amazing article
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Tannies Sep 03, 2021 09:21pm
Thank you for writing this amazing article
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:) Sep 03, 2021 09:25pm
we are so thankful ♡ finally someone is speaking up for the right
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Shanay Sep 03, 2021 09:27pm
They can't let the bts army down!
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Huraira Sep 03, 2021 09:27pm
we are so thankful ♡ finally someone is speaking up for the right
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Armylovesbangtenboys Sep 03, 2021 09:31pm
I really hate them are they Muslim how can they do this to armys???party ka name Dekho or harkatain Dekho khud ko pta ni kia smjhty hain jaga jaga actors or actress ki picture lagi hoti hain onsy masla ni hai .. we're just wishing our Golden maknae his happiest birthday is it wrong
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Armylovesbangtenboys Sep 03, 2021 09:32pm
@AH no one asked for your opinion
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Armylovesbangtenboys Sep 03, 2021 09:33pm
@farhan munawar less educated people
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Maria Sep 03, 2021 09:34pm
Good job! Thanks for such awesome article.
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Maria Sep 03, 2021 09:34pm
Thanks for writing such awesome article.
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Maliha Jamil Sep 03, 2021 09:36pm
Thank you so much I'm really touched by your positive and facts spilling Article❤️
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Zubi Sep 03, 2021 09:44pm
This article was written with so much respect and yes we k-pop fans have been receiving hate since the start but we never stopped there was a time even Indians got hate for k-pop now look BTS have noticed them our love for k-pop or BTS will never stop no matter what anyone says we will work hard and cross every obstacle that comes our way
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Yumna Sep 03, 2021 09:50pm
I feel so good after reading this article , i hope to get more good articles like this about bts in the future too:)
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Alishkook Sep 03, 2021 09:54pm
Thank you for writing this beautiful article we Pakistan armys really loved your positive side. Thanks for making this clear that they are not homosexual. As for people saying under comments of this article or social media I wanna say when u follow those fahashi tiktokers or see girls showing their skin on banners on social media. Even there was a photoshoot in Karachi which was so inappropriate. The 14 august incident was also happened I never saw anybody taking that down from internet banners or anything its like everyone has smelled the snake to talk about those conversation. If u can say Pakistan artist or people can put any type of banner so we also give money to put that and there was nothing inappropriate. Just Bcz u are hater doesn't mean u can rule someone choice . thank you if u read this and also thanks for writing this article Mr Iqbal Mirza.
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Yumna Sep 03, 2021 10:21pm
@AH You might not need them but we actually do need them , So instead of writing these kinda comments better not interact with BTS articles
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Yumna Sep 03, 2021 10:22pm
I'm literally in love with this article , i sincerely appreciate the person who wrote this article, i hope to get more articles on bts soon
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Mayasha Sep 03, 2021 10:28pm
Yes i wish too they never should come to Pakistan not them only but every musician should avoid around the world should avoid coming here ! this is Islamic republic of Pakistan where molvis only get triggered by music and other stuff but not on rape cases !!! This country's people have problem with everyone's choice and opinions Well written article thi dawn ! Thankyou
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Alishkook Sep 03, 2021 10:30pm
Good article thanks for writing for BTS army Mr Iqbal mirza
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Tehreem Sep 03, 2021 10:35pm
@AH yessh ur are saying like thiss that these so cold politicians has done many favour for this country
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ARMY Sep 03, 2021 10:48pm
If there would be any female actress or model's picture on that billboard then that would be okay for them. But just cause that was a korean boy's picture they can't accept that?! And saying that BTS spreads homosexuality? So what about those actresses, models pictures on billboards, tv shows, commercials that people enjoys so much, aren't they're spreading shamlessness and boldness?? Aren't that should be stop too?
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BTS PAKISTAN STREAMING Sep 03, 2021 10:53pm
Thank You for writing such a great article
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JIMIN's Sep 03, 2021 10:59pm
This is my favorite article ever. Thank you so much.
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Nida Sep 03, 2021 11:07pm
Thankyou
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Kim Sep 03, 2021 11:10pm
Reading this article was worth it. I hope they'd get some sense from it and would realize how wrong they were. I really appreciate dawn news and the author of this article for being understanding and writing facts.
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lovetaehyung Sep 03, 2021 11:29pm
@farhan munawar more than 40 thousand people so shut up...
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lovetaehyung Sep 03, 2021 11:30pm
thank you so much for writing this article and showing support
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lovetaehyung Sep 03, 2021 11:31pm
we really need some sane people in this country so thank you for writing this!!
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Byeol Sep 03, 2021 11:45pm
@AH We Care. And No One Asked You. We Don't Need You Too So Move Out Please!
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Ammara Sep 04, 2021 12:35am
Thats such a beautiful article and how he/she explained bout the facts and jow people judge others just by looks or faces. Thankyou soo much to the author you did a great job. ~BTS ARMY
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ilsa ashfaque Sep 04, 2021 12:50am
plz plz who told jamat e islami to do this, it was rumours about jungkook,he never promoted homosexuality, he was trained in the entertainment company bighit where even dating is not allowed, jamat e islami needs to know this, his haters or fans used to ship him with other member taehyung but they said fans not to do this
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Taliya Sep 04, 2021 01:20am
Very well written! Thank you for supporting Army and raising voice against false rumours regarding BTS.
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h Sep 04, 2021 01:41am
thanku for this
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Khola Sep 04, 2021 01:49am
People hardly know anything about them. If you don't stan them then no one on earth gives you ticket to humiliate them or hate them. All members BTS have that awesome, angelic and positive personalities. They don't spread hate even if they are subjected to it. Armys will always be supporting and protecting them.no matter what happens. And if only these people searched a little about their respect towards their Muslim Armys specially women before putting such allegations, they would have known that BTS always respects one's beliefs and religion but despite this they have huge fandom from all over the world. The fandom have people from different races, religions and beliefs. BTS respects each and everyones opinions because that is totally their personal matter. Their only goal is to spread positivity and happiness among people. People literally were able to push themselves out of depression and despair because of them. I request people to look at both sides of coin.
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Tehreem Afzaal Sep 04, 2021 02:38am
Thank you for this <3
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B Sep 04, 2021 03:14am
@AH you are also not needed in Pakistan. Do you even understand such acts worsen the image of Pakistan on international level. It can ruin Pak-Korea relationship considering the fact that BTS is Korea's pride.
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Maria Saeed Sep 04, 2021 04:23am
Such a well-written article. Keep it up
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Arisha Sep 04, 2021 07:32am
Thank u for explaining everything and i hope everyone in PAKISTAN reas this article as an educated person.
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BTS ARMY Sep 04, 2021 08:36am
Thank you soo much Dawn News for this amazing Article. We all are really touched by your words. We really appreciate your efforts towards us. You said all of these which we wanted to said to other people. Hope people will understand it soon. And don't worry if with this article you're getting hate from locals never forget that BTS ARMYs are soo much powerful beyond imagination even in Pakistan. We all are here to support you. And whoever is reading this that BTS once said: "Haters gonna hate, Players gonna play, Live a life man good luck." BTS said this and now look they're famous than any other thing in this whole world. No famous brand is left in this world whom is not collaborated with and being a ambassador of it. If you keep this line with you always no one can ever stop you doing something that you want
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Fatima Sep 04, 2021 02:09pm
Such a well written article
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Aman Sep 04, 2021 02:10pm
Absolutely.... By doing this they can't keep the armys down..
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Eman <3 Sep 04, 2021 03:23pm
Armys don't give up and say that you never want BTS to come to Pakistan, you wanna let the haters win and give up on our happiness, our hard work the all we did in past for getting noticed?? We will bring BTS here tell them that how much we love them and shower them with love so they won't care about haters y'all please make Dua in namaz ✨
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uzma Sep 04, 2021 06:39pm
Really appreciate the article, really well explained. Hope the locals will get a piece of mind:)
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Revenge Sep 04, 2021 06:46pm
This is beautiful, lot's of love to Pakistan Armys. I hope all the happiness
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Aliyah Sep 04, 2021 06:49pm
This so pretty, hoping for more projects in future. This is really beautiful
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Taemaan Sep 04, 2021 07:57pm
Thank you so much for writing such a positive article and understanding us. We purple you
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Taemaan Sep 04, 2021 07:58pm
Thank you so much for writing such a positive article and understanding us. We purple you :)
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Aabish Sep 04, 2021 08:24pm
Seriously, as being a citizen of pakistan I know about this all first-hand. Pakistan is a muslim country, it's hard to believe for islam is all about not judging someone, spreading kindness, love and equality What actually people of this country are doing is completely opposite. I don't understand how people can be so toxic I don't get how humans can act so dense
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anon. Sep 04, 2021 10:27pm
oh for heaven's sake! he's not gay, and if he is, that's his business so kindly don't interfere. And please, rather than going after people who aren't gay and who are infact humbler than majority, please, PLEASE, look at yourself. so many of your billboards promote rape culture and oppression against women. and don't you dare blame it on Islam. twisting the interpretation won't work with me, got that?
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Aqsa Sep 04, 2021 10:39pm
Thank you so much for this wonderful article dawn news . The article is beautifully written . We are happy that someone is speaking the truth also
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BTS PAKISTAN Sep 04, 2021 10:58pm
Thank you for this wonderful article I appreciate your efforts -Pakistan BTS Army
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BTS PAKISTAN Sep 04, 2021 10:59pm
Thank you for this wonderful article we appreciate your efforts and one thing to haters get a life man
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Salman Sep 04, 2021 11:35pm
JI always has their priorities right. Next they should check toffee wrappers in case female cartoon characters appear without hijab. But please don't protest when a woman is raped, or when orphans die of hunger.
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⟭⟬ Sep 04, 2021 11:53pm
Thank you for writing such a beautiful article! You've literally mentioned the things which needs to be said! I really don't understand what's the problem in wishing a human being a happy birthday!? And assuming someone's sexuality just by their outer appearance!? Pathetic. Taking down billboards or posters of BTS and hating on them without any valid reason won't change the fact that they're loved and admired by millions and are the most successful kpop artists. Have a great day/night!
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Kimmmy Sep 05, 2021 01:57am
I really don't understand our politician like, there sleeve less and half covered females on many billboard too but they never ever took down any and they took Jungkook billboard down because of the ridiculous reason , like Common guy a simple board won't spread homosexuality. I fed up i really think we should not hype it as I don't want BTS to see this.
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Rose09 Sep 05, 2021 03:24am
@farhan munawar You. That's why you're reading and commenting.
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zain Sep 05, 2021 07:20am
@Byeol who have asked you whether we want BTS or not.
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Alishba Sep 05, 2021 12:03pm
Some people in this country they seriously don't know how to respect some one
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Alishba Sep 05, 2021 12:05pm
@farhan munawar ARMY cares
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Alishba Sep 05, 2021 12:06pm
@Lia thank you for doing it good job
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Alishba Sep 05, 2021 12:10pm
@Armylovesbangtenboys savage like min suga
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Wardah Sep 05, 2021 12:54pm
Like seriously it's just a poster and they are just making the world a better place and our politicians and are saying they are HoMoSeXuAlItY
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Nida Sep 05, 2021 01:19pm
@AH And you also
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Nida Sep 05, 2021 01:26pm
@farhan munawar if you dont care dont comment array bai wo cheez kio daikhte ho jis me ap ko interest nahi. Interest hai tu article para bhi ur comment bhi kia
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Ayesha khan Sep 06, 2021 12:15am
I dont know whats the problem with this picture , they cant understand how much we armies are angry on this behavior and on its rumors of homosexuality , just shame on those whos mind is that bad
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Jamal Sep 06, 2021 01:05am
Be an allied nation. I will not say whether its wrong or right to remove such posters. But those guys are not our heros. You guys only like them because they are famous? What other qualities do they have? What they have done for you and your nation that you are spending money for their posters?
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Leena Sep 06, 2021 03:30am
@Armylovesbangtenboys no actually they don't know there success just because of these mf bts didn't notice us just because of them
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Miffrah Afzaal Sep 06, 2021 11:47am
All BTS members are so nice, humble & good natured people. I am 48yrs old, I am also a BIG BIG fan of them.
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Iffat Sep 06, 2021 12:48pm
I love BTS
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Syed Mustafa Sep 07, 2021 11:23am
I feel very old not knowing BTS and dont understand what is happening. Back in my day we celebrated birthdays with fireworks if it were someone important like Justin Bieber or Salena Gomez.
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