Fact Check: Did SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi “Shade” BTS?

A viral post liked by SEVENTEEN‘s Hoshi has quickly circulated social media and started a debate.

SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi | @ho5hi_kwon

An Instagram reel showcased SEVENTEEN’s 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards performance with the following caption:

Never forget SVT performance [of] ‘Hit’ on 2019 MAMA right after they lost the ‘Best Dance Performance’ Award

— OP

When fans noticed Hoshi liked the video, it immediately sparked conversations. Some netizens interpreted it as “shade” towards BTS who won the “Best Dance Performance” Award that year.

one thing about BTS, you won't see them bitter towards any kpop group. pic.twitter.com/O0cM9S47Lk

— O.O (@0atoo0) July 22, 2025

So much for that friendship multis keep going on about ijbol pic.twitter.com/96RdapoXv9

— ¹¹Wotteo's Bestie is living for Spring 2026⁷ (@Wotteosbestie) July 22, 2025

Hoshi from seventeen liked a reel shading BTS what a fcking snake, and you want us to believe idols aren’t bitter about their success lmao

— Moz⁷ (@itzaboutime) July 22, 2025

However, others interpreted it as Hoshi simply acknowledging SEVENTEEN’s efforts, regardless of who the award went towards.

when did hoshi even shade that group… 💀 the post was obviously being shady towards mama and mainly highlighting their amazing performance

— ael ☔️ HXW (@hcwooist) July 22, 2025

this whole situation is so messy cos i know for a fact hoshi didn't have any bad intentions in mind with liking that reel but you corny motherfuckers had to turn it against him and project whatever hatred you had for another group and now he's the one catching heat

— hoshi misser (@hoshkoo) July 22, 2025

How is it shading when BTS wasn’t even mentioned? I like both groups and Hoshi is known for giving huge amount of respect to BTS. He choreographs their dances and is prideful when it comes to dance, at the time he most likely felt a way

— FLUMPTY.CO (@FlumptyCo) July 22, 2025

Some even shared how Hoshi often praises BTS and cites them as inspiration. While its impossible to know Hoshi’s true motives, based on his outward love and admiration for BTS, it is unlikely that he had ill intent.

Seventeen’s Hoshi praised BTS, calling them the best performers in the industry. He also admitted to watching BTS' performances to learn from them. pic.twitter.com/WCajjjGVJE

— cié დ (@Iivserene) July 22, 2025