In recent times, fans of BTS, known as ARMYs, have been voicing their frustrations with the group’s agency, HYBE and Big Hit, while also actively taking part in a boycott.
Specifically, the pop-up store currently being held in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, since April 26th is a notable location where ARMYs’ protest can be witnessed.
This location has consistently maintained a peaceful atmosphere while offering a variety of goods for purchase, including black and white photos taken before the enlistment of BTS members.
Despite the frequent long lines and sold-out goods at BTS pop-up stores, an anonymous ARMY member stated that the response at this particular pop-up store is noticeably lower than in the past. This could be interpreted as a sign that many ARMYs are expressing their dissatisfaction with HYBE.
Moreover, visitors to the BTS Seongsu-dong pop-up store have reported that merchandise is readily accessible and there are no long queues, resulting in a pleasant browsing experience unlike other BTS-themed pop-up stores in the past.
The dissatisfaction of ARMYs towards HYBE is increasing. A recent demonstration of this was seen when mourning wreaths and truck protests were organized in front of the HYBE building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. These actions were accompanied by messages conveying their disapproval such as “We strongly oppose a contract renewal”, “HYBE’s credibility has reached an all-time low”, “HYBE is merely a facade of a major corporation”, “We wish for BTS to part ways with HYBE without hesitation”, and more.
One ARMY member inquired, “Given that there are less than 50 days until the members’ first discharge, what level of support can we anticipate while monitoring HYBE’s handling of the controversy?”They also suggested, “The most effective way for ARMYs to voice their concerns to HYBE is to abstain from spending money until proper actions are taken, and boycotting the currently operating (Seongsu-dong) pop-up store is the most immediate solution.”
Moreover, they stated that “ARMYs are supporters of BTS, not HYBE. This presents a final opportunity to distinguish the image of HYBE from BTS.”
The majority of ARMYs appear to share similar opinions. Similar posts are also being seen on online communities focused on BTS on various social media platforms. It is anticipated that the boycott of the Seongsu-dong pop-up store will continue, and the “HYBE boycott”movement is expected to endure in the future.
Moreover, on May 3, fans of BTS, known as ARMYs, made their position clear to the media by stating, “We urge Bang Si-hyuk, Chairman of HYBE, and Park Ji-won, CEO, to refrain from using BTS as a means to deflect from the agency’s internal and external problems,”and “We stand by BTS, not HYBE.”
Under the HYBE label, Big Hit Music firmly refuted accusations of market manipulation, concept plagiarism, single world association, and baseless suspicions aimed at tarnishing BTS’s reputation, stating that these claims are unfounded. They also revealed that they have gathered evidence of false information and defamation against the group, and have filed a complaint with the investigative agency on May 2nd.
The source of the information can be found at the following link: Daum.
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