BTS Skool Luv Affair Lyrics Controversy 2026: Fact-Checking the Allegations

Can a physics term from 2014 trigger a global outcry in 2026? BTS has found itself at the center of a heated online debate over lyrics released over a decade ago.

The Origins of the BTS Skool Luv Affair Lyrics Controversy 2026

Starting around January 15, 2026, multiple users on X targeted the group with scathing accusations. The focal point was a clip from RM’s rap in the “Intro: Skool Luv Affair,” where critics claimed the use of an ableist slur and the glorification of non-consensual themes. The verse "They could never retard me" was singled out as particularly problematic, leading some to question how the group's career could withstand such a discovery.

Physics vs. Slurs: ARMY Debunks Misinterpretations

However, the ARMY fandom wasn't about to let the accusations slide. Fans quickly provided context, explaining that RM was using the word "retard" in its technical, physical sense—meaning to slow down or decelerate—as the antithesis to acceleration. They argued the song is actually about persistence in love and art despite rejection, not about sexual assault.

• Technical definition: "Retardation" used as the opposite of "acceleration" in a lyrical metaphor.
• Contextual evidence: Subsequent lines emphasize loving despite being hurt or rejected.
• Fandom backlash: Concerns that serious topics like sexual assault are being weaponized for fanwars.