ATEEZ Hongjoong Releases Diss Track Targeting Bang Si-hyuk and HYBE: “No Comment”

On January 15, ATEEZ member Hongjoong unveiled a new single titled “SMB,” featuring the Palestinian-American rapper Odetari, which quickly garnered significant attention.

The dual-language lyrics, presented in both Korean and English, convey a bold attitude dismissing external judgments. However, a deeper analysis suggests that Hongjoong’s Korean verses may be directed at HYBE and its founder, Bang Si-hyuk.

Particularly notable are references to internal HYBE documents that reportedly monitor disparaging remarks about various K-pop idols, including those from outside the HYBE umbrella. ATEEZ itself has been included in such critiques.

Specific lines that stand out in Hongjoong’s lyrics include, “Think you’re something, hitman? / If you’ve got time to watch others / better watch your own back / Du-du-du, bang.” The term “hitman,” alongside “bang,” cleverly nods to Bang Si-hyuk’s moniker, “Hitman Bang.”

Furthermore, additional lyrics seem to critique the internal behavior at HYBE, with lines like, “Jealousy and envy rule your life. Blinded, you talk trash while name-dropping,” and “Act your age, you lazy bum,” alongside “Subpar, outdated grump.” These phrases intensify the speculation surrounding the track’s intent.

As the conjecture around “SMB” being a diss track directed at HYBE and Bang Si-hyuk intensifies, ATEEZ’s management has opted for silence, stating simply, “We have no official comment.”

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