K-pop group BTS is all set to attend the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, along with South Korean President Moon Jae-in from September 19 to September 23 as “special presidential envoy for future generations and culture”. The seven-member act landed in New York on Sunday and like always Twitter went abuzz with BTS Army’s excitement.

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Soon after the group landed, “Welcome to New York” started trending on Twitter and there have been mixed reactions from fans to the same. The hardcore BTS stans are against invading the band’s privacy and not following the “Army etiquette”. On the other hand, some have been crowding the airport to click their photographs. 

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The band had earlier expressed their fear of coming in contact with people as COVID-19 continues to spread in the US and also requested people not to click unauthorised photographs. Moreover, their agency Big Hit had released a statement urging the ARMY to not go to the airport.

As they landed, Twitter was flooded with well wishes and support. One of the users commented, “BTS is already landed on New York today. They’re now ready to do their schedule there especially for UNGA 2021. Let’s hope and manifest for their safety & their good health there. Take care our dearest boys !!”

However, many took to Twitter to express their disbelief at fans’ inappropriate conduct and tracking of the flight during their journey.

A user wrote, “I’m of the belief that this is an observation (a test) by big hit in general if they can safely resume concerts in the United States and you’re proving that we can’t…. We’re not only not following army etiquette but also not following basic social distancing during a pandemic”, while other expressed their disappointment and wrote, “If you put what you want ahead of Bangtan’s safety, well-being, health and wishes, you’re not an ARMY. PERIOD. I’m angry and appalled to see what happened at JFK. “Welcome to New York”…now let’s make you as uncomfortable as possible. All those people there should be ashamed!”

Ahead of UNGA, the band leader RM had shared his gratitude and said, “It is a huge honor, both as an individual and a citizen, to be able to hold the title of special presidential envoy for future generations and culture,” the Korea Herald reported.

“We’re always thinking about how we could give more and return the love we have received, and we’re just thankful that the president has presented us with such a big opportunity. We will do our best as special envoys,” he said.