According to an article titled “BTS: The Unintended Victims of HYBE’s Internal Legal Battle”published by Paris Match on May 5th (local time), the seven members of the popular group have been facing rumors and criticism as a result of the company’s ongoing legal dispute. The article highlights that the conflict has nothing to do with BTS, making them innocent victims of the situation.
According to Paris Match, HYBE was inadvertently associated with BTS due to its origins in Big Hit Music, the record label responsible for discovering BTS, and the fact that the majority of HYBE’s revenue comes from the group. The publication also noted that Korean media had been spreading various rumors about BTS, including accusations of involvement in cults and chart manipulation, since last week.
Despite overseas media not receiving much attention due to a lack of evidence, the Korean press heavily addressed the rumors surrounding BTS. In response, BTS’s label Big Hit Music took legal action by contacting their legal representatives and announcing that they had identified the sources of the malicious posts. Paris Match also noted that Big Hit Music had issued an apology for any discomfort caused to fans by their initial response to the rumors.
According to Paris Match, there have been rumors circulating about BTS’s alleged involvement in cult activities related to Dahnworld, which also has ties to HYBE. These rumors have caused concern and prompted legal action. Additionally, Paris Match mentioned that there have been speculations about HYBE being a target of a smear campaign by the media. Although evidence is scarce, a search on X (previously known as Twitter) in April uncovered numerous accounts sharing these rumors. These accounts seemed to have very few or almost no followers.
According to reports from the French media, all seven members of BTS are currently serving in the military and are unable to address recent issues. This has created a sense of urgency as the members are unable to express their opinions. The group stated, “It is unfair to burden Jin, the eldest member who will be discharged in June, with handling this issue while he is on duty. We also cannot expect RM, our leader, to take a stance on an issue that does not directly involve him.”They also added, “As a country that recently celebrated BTS’s 10th debut anniversary with grand fireworks, is it right to turn our backs on the very people who bring us glory? Especially when just a few days ago, Jungkook was recognized
According to Paris Match, BTS’s devoted fan base, ARMY, recently sent condolence wreaths to HYBE’s office building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul as a gesture of support and to urge the company to provide strong protection for the group. This act is likely to generate attention from the often critical Korean media and may divert attention away from the ongoing legal dispute between HYBE and Min Hee-jin.
Despite being highly praised and supported by international fans and media, there is a belief that Korea is not giving fair treatment to BTS. In particular, ARMYs have been expressing their criticism towards Korean media and the public through the social media trend, “SOUTH KOREA APOLOGIZE TO BTS”.
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