BTS Jungkook, SEVENTEEN Albums Piling Up In Streets Amid ‘Sajaegi’ Accusations

On May 17, individuals congregated on an internet forum called, “Crowds Discarding BTS Jungkook and SEVENTEEN Albums In Public Places.”

The author shared screenshots of multiple tweets on the forum, displaying the presence of Jungkook’s “GOLDEN”albums and SEVENTEEN’s latest release “17 IS RIGHT HERE”in public locations such as street corners and bathroom stalls.

In addition, the OP shared articles from Korean media that discussed the artists’ success in their first-week sales, statistics on album waste, and Min Hee Jin’s statement about HYBE’s supposed “lack of ethics”and “record pushing.”

Translation: “This is not it. Our precious Jungkook’s albums were all thrown out in the restroom.”

“BTS Jungkook who set a new record for male solos in terms of first-week sales.”

“SEVENTEEN”who set a new record for male groups in terms of first-week sales.”

“K-pop Label Album Waste Increases Over 14 Times in 6 Years, HYBE, JYP, and Kakao in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.”

“As for the waste levy, 11 record labels paid more than 190 million won ($140,284 USD) as of 2020. HYBE has paid the most at 130 million ($95,984 USD), followed by JYP at 27 million won ($19,935 USD).”

“They even suggested to groups like NewJeans, who has high record sales, that they can surpass the records of other groups without ‘pushing records,”Min Hee Jin stated. “This shows a serious lack of ethics at HYBE.”

“We understand that this is already a widespread practice in HYBE labels, but we urge you to investigate any deals with subsidiaries that could be seen as ‘record pushing,’ including any deals with subsidiaries that are contingent on returns and to be transparent and deal with them severely.”

Netizens responded to the thread on Pannchoa, expressing their belief that bulk buying is a common practice among popular artists. They also pointed out that other companies and fans of different groups have been known to engage in this behavior. However, some netizens were doubtful about the credibility of the accompanying photos.

• “Also, why are you bringing up Jungkook’s photo and faking their intent? Isn’t this a violation notice?”

• “To be honest, I’ve seen other idols’ fans doing the same as the ones from Jungkook’s photos but it’s honestly my first time seeing that amount of albums being thrown in the streets like the SEVENTEEN albums.”

• “I really hope that SEVENTEEN gets investigated.”
• “This isn’t an issue that’s unique to HYBE. Other companies of idols do the same. We need to get rid of the random photocards.”

• “This is just trash.”
• “Is there any idol who doesn’t do this?”
• “A fan shared free albums at the Jangchung showcase and the albums were loaded in the foreign fan’s car.”
• “You purposely posted the albums’ photos as if they were thrown away but she was sharing them for free. The foreign fan even wrote a post saying that all free albums were given away.”

• “Is there any idol who doesn’t do this?”

• “You’d think that it only applied to HYBE idols. You’re being too transparent.”
• “This has been happening with almost all groups, especially boy groups because, yes, people want photocards and the chance to get into a fanmeeting.”
• “Somehow people here only use this as some kind of “shade”when it comes to a group they don’t like.”
• “This has happened since 2nd gen and it’s only getting worse and worse.”

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