BTS’s V Revives “Purple Line” Airport Campaign, Urges Fans to Act Respectfully

During a recent Weverse Live session, BTS member V reminded fans, “The airport doesn’t belong to us. It’s a public space, and I hope everyone respects the rules.”

He emphasized the importance of maintaining order and safety, especially in increasingly chaotic airport scenes caused by large crowds of overzealous fans, including sasaengs (obsessive fans).

V then referenced the “Purple Line”, a grassroots safety campaign launched by ARMY in 2018 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The name draws from BTS’s symbolic color, purple. During that campaign, about 20 fans formed a respectful line while holding purple ribbons, helping to guide members safely through the airport without intrusion or crowding.

V fondly recalled the effort, joking, “If ARMY brings back the Purple Line, I might even wear a suit to the airport. That would give me 10 more minutes to think about what to wear in the morning.”

The sentiment touched fans and reignited discussion online about reinstating fan-led efforts to manage public appearances respectfully. V had previously shown his appreciation by including a photo of himself holding a purple ribbon in a photoshoot—a subtle nod to the campaign’s significance.

While BTS’s global popularity and the onset of military enlistments have temporarily paused group activities, chaotic airport scenes remain a recurring issue in K-pop. Fans crowding entrances, obstructing pathways, and filming idols without consent continue to create security risks and spark criticism from the public.

Moreover, the original Purple Line campaign faced backlash from aggressive sasaengs, some of whom doxxed or harassed fans who participated in the campaign—creating a chilling effect on fan-led moderation.

Despite this, V’s call to action comes at a time when overseas schedules for K-pop artists are increasing, leading to frequent airport appearances and the urgent need for fan self-governance. With security teams also responding with sometimes overbearing measures, tensions between fans and staff have escalated at several major airports.

While a full-scale revival of the “Purple Line” may face logistical challenges, the message is clear: mutual respect, safety, and consideration must guide fan behavior moving forward.