Funny how the 1st article makes no mention of the fact that after the War of Hormone lyrics started getting backlash, RM took classes on gender studies and has discussed his lyrics with professors.
It is a completely disingenuous article and seeks to only discuss their past to paint them as misogynistic (and bad in general given the stuff about Jimin's shirt and all that has nothing to do with the topic of misogyny) rather than explaining what should be highlighted. Yes, point out that there are flaws in how South Koreans view women and show that in the past there were some lyrics of BTS' that showcase this. But unless you are being dishonest or completely ignorant you have to also include that they have made steps to overcome this ingrained view of women. They discovered their words hurt people, got educated about the issues, and purposefully seek to rid themeslves of those inclinations.
That freaking article pisses me off because it wasn't written in 2015 or something, no it was last year, after RM made mentions of studying gender issues back in what 2016 or 2017... I don't know, when was 21st Century Girl released? If we are just going to drag those who have bettered themselves for things they once said or thought, why should we expect anyone else to change? The article literally implies that because they said somethings in the past they shouldn't be looked to as leaders or worthy of speaking infront of the UN. Oh, f that.
They are the exact people who should have been standing in front of the UN as examples of individuals who learned from their past and are trying to be even better in the future. If they aren't praised and looked to as leaders, but instead continue to be dragged for their past, why should anyone ever change? I mean if people like the article's author are just going to continue to drag them for their past and not acknowledge their efforts, why change at all? Might as well just keep doing what they were and not bother caring how it affects anyone. I mean it is essentially a waste of their time and effort at that point.
Absolutely don't stop talking about the past, but it has to come with acknowledging their efforts to change and be better people. That way you remind people that you can change, that it is okay to have been stupid in the past if you learn from it and grow. This is literally why people hate cancel culture. It isn't about making change it is about hating on people. Call people out when they do something wrong, but allow them to change (and support them when they do) because that is supposed to be the whole freaking point. You know, to make the world better.