On May 4th, Sports Kyunghyang reported that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism had received a complaint regarding allegations of chart manipulation against BTS. The ministry plans to transfer the case to the Korea Creative Content Agency, which has a section dedicated to investigating reports of music manipulation.
Upon verifying the reports, the Korea Creative Content Agency will request for HYBE (Big Hit Music) to collaborate with the investigative agency.
Furthermore, aside from the accusation of manipulation, there were also individuals who filed grievances calling for the revocation of the recognition bestowed upon BTS by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2016 for their role in advancing the Korean Wave.
Some individuals expressed their concerns over the government’s selection process for the ministerial awards, calling for stricter criteria and the formation of an impartial evaluation committee. Others, including online users, also raised the issue of chart manipulation and urged for a prompt review of the commendation’s cancellation. According to reports, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is currently investigating the matter.
Despite the ongoing internal conflict at HYBE, there have been unfounded rumors circulating about BTS’s alleged involvement in a cult. As a result, overseas ARMYs (BTS’s fandom) have expressed their frustration and are urging the management company to defend the group against these baseless rumors.
Due to the ongoing situation, fans from around the world expressed their thoughts on X (formerly known as Twitter) and various social media platforms. Some fans stated, “Korea does not deserve to have BTS”, “The agency should take responsibility for ignoring BTS, who had no involvement in the controversies”. Others shared, “BTS introduced me to Korea, but it seems like the country is not treating them fairly”, “What wrong actions did the members actually commit?”, and more.
Korean fans expressed their frustration with HYBE by organizing protest trucks and sending condolence wreaths to the company headquarters. These displays included messages demanding that HYBE take action to protect their artists, such as releasing additional statements addressing the risks posed by the company’s ownership.
At the same time, the allegation of BTS being involved in chart manipulation has sparked interest, as the terms “chart manipulation”and “illegal marketing”were referenced in the ruling of Big Hit’s blackmail case. In response, HYBE has denied these suspicions and has stated their intention to take legal action against those spreading malicious rumors.
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