Allegations Against HYBE: Sabotage of BTS V’s Vinyl Release

The vinyl launch of V’s solo album, “Layover,”from BTS, has sparked significant backlash among ARMYs regarding its management by the associated entertainment firms, namely HYBE, BIGHIT MUSIC, and Geffen Records. Rather than being a joyful occasion for the artist’s committed fanbase, it has turned into a point of dissatisfaction.

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Numerous major retailers across the U.S. such as Target and Walmart rapidly exhausted their limited initial inventories. Fans reported a lack of restocking despite their persistent inquiries. A social media update indicated the album was unavailable at many important retailers, including the BTS US Store and Weverse US, while remaining accessible only via select vendors like Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

The distribution challenges go beyond mere scarcity. Fans have pointed out several issues, including:

Severe shipping delays in key markets
Failure to meet initial release timelines
Inadequate promotional efforts from the labels
Insufficient stock in physical outlets
Dependence on digital platforms, especially Japanese iTunes, to enhance chart results

This predicament has triggered a social media initiative from fans advocating for equitable treatment of V’s works. Many ARMYs contend that the evident lack of marketing and distribution support sharply contrasts with how releases by other artists under the same labels are handled.

The absence of communication from the labels regarding these matters has only fueled fan frustration, leading many to call for greater transparency and improved oversight for future releases. As of this report, HYBE, BIGHIT MUSIC, and Geffen Records have yet to respond publicly to these issues.