Who is Darren Espanto? Filipino singer clashing with BTS ARMY over his cover of J-Hope's 'Mona Lisa'

Who is BTS? There's really no need for an introduction! The group — and each of its seven members — is wildly popular, even among non-K-pop fans. BTS also has one of the biggest fanbases in the world, known as ARMY, and true to their name, they're always ready to defend Jin, SUGA, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook.

However, this time around, things were different. Filipino-Canadian singer and performer Darren Espanto has been clashing with BTS ARMY for days. Over what, one may ask? Over the criticism he received for his cover of J-Hope's hit track Mona Lisa.

Who is Darren Espanto?

Darren rose to fame as the runner-up in the first season of The Voice Kids Philippines. Since then, he has built a successful music career, earning recognition both locally and internationally.

Notably, he was the only Filipino guest artist on China’s Singer 2019, and he has received praise from global stars like Fantasia Barrino, Nicki Minaj, Ashton Kutcher, and Jessie J for his vocal performances.

Espanto is also known for his admiration of K-pop, particularly BTS. He previously covered BTS' hit song Dynamite in a dance performance shared on his YouTube channel.

So what's happening now?

Recently, Darren Espanto covered J-Hope's new single Mona Lisa, which has been generating buzz among fans. J-Hope described the track as a performance-driven piece with witty and playful lyrics. The song quickly gained traction online, racking up views and sparking a trending dance challenge.

While many enjoyed Darren's cover, one user — reportedly not even an ARMY but as many claimed was a BLACKPINK fan (BLINK) — criticized it harshly, writing, "Dare I say… people who can't sing need to stop covering his songs. Seriously." The quote is not visible currently, due to the user going private.

Netizens — including ARMY — quickly jumped to Darren's defense, praising his vocals. Many pointed out that these covers are often done with minimal rehearsal and shouldn't be taken as full showcases of his ability.

So why did it escalate?

Instead of letting it go, Darren responded directly to the critic, tweeting: "Please consider watching my other vocal performances ‘cuz one thing I won't take is someone telling me I 'CAN'T SING'... Attached here are a few of 'em."

Hi, @sieeoun. Please consider watching my other vocal performances cuz one thing I won’t take is someone telling me I “CAN’T SING” 😂 Attached here are a few of ‘em:https://t.co/3vjILznFm3https://t.co/L0mDmfi8Eghttps://t.co/Q9HvACRpr1 https://t.co/8l8mIzRDex

— Darren (@Espanto2001) May 16, 2025

Things escalated further when Darren retweeted a Koreaboo article claiming he had "clapped back" at BTS fans online over the criticism. According to many ARMYs, Koreaboo is known for publishing exaggerated, anti-BTS content.

This move didn't sit well with ARMY — many of whom had initially defended him. They questioned why he couldn't take a single comment in stride and stay quiet. After facing criticism, he seems to have deleted the retweet.

But Darren didn't stop there. When one ARMY quoted him saying, "You still can't sing and ain't nobody watching these videos," he responded: "Based on my likes, and considering you're interacting with my tweet, apparently a lot of y'all do."

Based on my likes, and considering you’re interacting with my tweet, apparently a lot of y’all do. 😅 @lntroegos https://t.co/4FOJJh2SoD

— Darren (@Espanto2001) May 17, 2025

ARMY claps back

At this point, the sympathy ARMY had for Darren began to fade. Fans asked why he was engaging in fan wars online and if chasing likes was his real goal. They also pointed out that most of the engagement he was receiving came from non-BTS K-pop fans who dislike BTS — not because of his talent or vocals.

One said, "Can y'all stop interacting with that guy?? This is literally the most attention he's ever gotten on his account. He barely gets 70 likes unless he's arguing with ARMYs."

can y'all stop interacting with that guy?? this is literally the most attention he's ever gotten on his account..he barely gets 70 likes unless he's arguing with armys.

— ྀི♡ fai ♡ྀི bts year 💫 (@myyouwithjk) May 17, 2025

Another added, "'Based on my likes' — I'm gonna hold your neck when I say this, Darren. Those are just people who hate 875 (BTS) to the core and would side with anyone just to drag them. And unfortunately for you, those people won't even give you streams or support. They can't even do that for their faves."

“based on my likes” i’m gonna hold your neck when i say this, darren. those are just ppl who hates 875 to the core and would side w anyone just to drag them. and unfortunately for you, those ppl won’t even give you streams nor support you. they can’t even do that for their faves. https://t.co/QFvgT3I57B

— hoya⁷ saw j-hope🃏🥢 (@uarmyrkived) May 17, 2025

One wrote, "A real singer is someone who can perform songs well in any situation and from any perspective — not someone who cherry-picks videos to show off their best side."

A real singer is someone who can perform songs in the best possible way in any situation and from any perspective, not someone who just picks a few videos to show off their best side https://t.co/C1KTh4EpCu

— J-hope Is goat/legend 🎖🛐🐐🔥 (@BRulze73970) May 16, 2025

Another commented, "This just shows how unprofessional you are."

This just shows how unprofessional you are. https://t.co/WYxM4PCmTd

— 月猫 (@Mooncatso) May 16, 2025

One user pointed out, "You RT'd a tweet from a random K-pop fan and caused them to harass another artist, and then you RT'd an article full of shameless, nasty comments. But sure — 'it's normal for an artist to defend himself.' And yes, the cover was bad."

you rt's a tweet from a random kpop fan and caused them to harass the other artist, and you rt's an article full of shameless nasty comments, but no sir 'it's normal for an artist to defend himself'. And yes the cover was bad https://t.co/7xpK4yclKF pic.twitter.com/fI9T6OeLvV

— . (@0613_frvr) May 16, 2025

Another stated, "I can't believe I was defending your stupid ass yesterday... If you claim to be an artist, you should learn to take criticism. Instead, you RT'd Koreaboo’s trash and attracted hate to J-Hope. Being a ‘good singer’ doesn’t make you a good performer. Grow up".

I can’t believe i was defending your stupid ass yesterday
If you claim to be an artist you should learn to take criticism

Instead you rted fuckass koreaboo’s article and attracted hate to jhope
You being a ‘good singer’ doesn’t guarantee you being a good performer. Grow up. https://t.co/kFh1yMAEaK

— ✞ (@_bogoshipda_who) May 16, 2025

About BTS' reunion

Despite all the drama, ARMY remains focused on what truly matters — the upcoming BTS reunion. With June approaching, fans are eagerly anticipating the moment all seven members will be together again, especially to celebrate the group’s debut anniversary.

Jin and J-Hope have already completed their military service, while RM and V are scheduled to be discharged on June 10, 2025. Jimin and Jungkook will follow a day later, on June 11.

SUGA, who is serving through an alternative form of service due to a past shoulder injury, will be the last to return, with his discharge set for June 21, 2025.