Bang Si-hyuk Faces Backlash for Recent Photo with KATSEYE

On October 7, an image featuring Bang Si-hyuk alongside KATSEYE was published in The New Yorker and quickly gained traction on the internet, igniting strong reactions from Korean netizens. This isn’t the first instance where Bang generated buzz due to a photo with KATSEYE; previously, fans had expressed concerns over his visible weight loss. However, this occasion marked a shift in criticism, focusing instead on his involvement in the photograph.

Many online commentators voiced their opinion, asserting that his presence was unwarranted, with remarks that included:

“His self-awareness seems inflated. He’s oblivious to when he should step back.”
“He needs to understand when to participate and when to hold back.”
“What’s the point of him being there?”
“Is he signaling us to reconsider supporting this group?”
“He should know his role…”

Some international fans shared the sentiment that the photo felt awkward, leading to instances where they edited Bang Si-hyuk out of the image entirely.

In contrast, a number of supporters came to his defense, highlighting that the piece, titled “The K-Pop King,” centered around Bang Si-hyuk’s trajectory with HYBE and his collaborations with numerous artists. From this perspective, they contended that his appearance in the photo was entirely justified.

Bang Si-hyuk’s career with HYBE, previously known as Big Hit Entertainment, has been pivotal in the worldwide ascent of K-pop. Acknowledged as the mastermind behind BTS’s unprecedented success, Bang is frequently regarded as a transformative figure within the industry. He has shaped HYBE into a dominant force by emphasizing groundbreaking techniques in music production, fan interaction, and multimedia content, thus establishing higher benchmarks for K-pop labels.

This recent debate underscores the fragile line between his behind-the-scenes contributions and his visibility in the public realm. While some argue that his presence might eclipse the artists he represents, others assert that as the visionary responsible for HYBE’s triumphs, Bang Si-hyuk is entitled to acknowledgment for his own contributions.

Source: theqoo, X

Source