HYBE Addresses Concerns of ARMYs Regarding Changes in Festa Application Rules: ‘We Offer Our Apologies for Any Inconvenience’

Big Hit Music, a label under HYBE, has made a significant announcement for BTS fans around the globe by modifying the application criteria for Jin’s upcoming offline event for the “2024 FESTA”.

Amidst widespread criticism and dissatisfaction expressed by fans, this announcement was made in late June as a response.

The agency admitted to its mistake in the first announcement.

“We apologize for the lack of clarity in our previous announcement and for not setting detailed application criteria in advance. We will consider the criteria thoroughly and announce the details as soon as possible.”

On the same day, Big Hit Music announced that Jin would be joining the “2024 FESTA”event, which is set to happen on June 13th at the Jamsil Sports Complex in Seoul, the day after his military discharge.

The event was specifically planned according to Jin’s desires, with the intention of providing a unique opportunity for him to interact directly with ARMYs and create a significant and unforgettable experience.

[💜🐹] @BTS_twt JIN IS GOING TO GIVE HUGS 🥹 Swallow me the world and spit me out in Korea 😭. #BTS11thAnniversary FESTA 2024 in-person event with BTS Jin (June 13)First session: Greetings from Jin: a moment for light hugs with Jin at the request of the artist, and it is expected that ++ pic.twitter.com/aR0tsLNWXo

— ARMY PERÚ 🇵🇪💜 #RPWP (@btsarmy_peru) June 1, 2024

In order to accommodate this, an event for fans was organized at the Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium.

Despite the initial excitement surrounding the announcement, controversy quickly arose. The agency had set requirements that fans must meet in order to apply for the event.

[Notice] Notice of change in application criteria for 2024 FESTA Jin offline event https://t.co/YCnpo5tcvJ #2024BTSFESTA #BTS11thAnniversary

— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) June 2, 2024

Based on the initial announcement, fans had to possess a BTS Membership and buy BTS albums released after “Proof”through Weverse Shop within a specified application period (from June 2nd to June 6th).

The total number of albums ordered within this period was to be used to determine eligibility for the event.

[Notice] Notice of change in application criteria for 2024 FESTA Jin offline eventHello.This is Big Hit Music.We would like to inform you that the application criteria for the ‘2024 FESTA’ Jin offline event are scheduled to change.We apologize for the unclear content of… pic.twitter.com/SyrMyVcyN0

— Ai⁷ (@ai_jiminily) June 2, 2024

“We would like to inform you that the application criteria for the ‘2024 FESTA’ Jin offline event are scheduled to change. We apologize for the unclear content of the previous notice and for not setting the application criteria carefully in advance.

After the offline event application notice was announced at 11 AM (KST) today (6/2), we plan to supplement (improve) the application criteria to take into account both album buyers who applied for the offline event through the weverse shop details page and those who have purchased albums on the weverse shop before the announcement.

After careful consideration, we will announce the details as soon as possible. We will do our best to prepare the event so that Jin’s feelings are well conveyed to his fans.

We once again apologize for the inconvenience caused to our fans, and we ask for your support and interest in Jin’s offline event to be held on June 13th.

Thank you.”

The main source of disagreement stemmed from the fact that prior to his enlistment, Jin had released only one solo album, which was the single “The Astronaut”.

Despite fans’ arguments that the criteria did not truly celebrate the spirit of Jin’s event, it still permitted the inclusion of solo works by other BTS members in the application process.

WAIT WHAT?????So now the old albums also count FOR SEOKJIN’s HUG EVENT?! #BTS2024FESTA pic.twitter.com/MnWowG6nTf

— Claudia⁷ (@ProbablyBTS) June 2, 2024

This situation was seen as downplaying the importance of Jin’s contribution and event. Furthermore, many fans felt pressured to buy these albums again in order to participate, leading some to view HYBE’s actions as a marketing tactic to increase album sales rather than a sincere effort to commemorate Jin’s return and connect with his fans.

Like wthhh why would you do that Raffle eligibility was always been same Alll bcz of some ungrreatful people 😖

— ☀️00:00⁷☀️ (@Boracityforever) June 2, 2024

The response was immediate and fervent, with numerous ARMY members voicing their discontent and irritation on various social media channels.

wtf it’s okay this way pls don’t let people who wants to harass them be there

— chii¹³ ✩°｡⋆⸜ on break🎧✮ (@lovediar13s) June 2, 2024

In order to regain the trust of the public, Big Hit Music’s apology and commitment to evaluate and modify the standards were welcomed as vital measures. These actions aim to uphold the initial purpose of the event, which is to commemorate Jin’s comeback with his devoted fans in a meaningful and courteous way.

Please I beg you to consider the safety of your artist above all else. Real armys will be grateful as long as he’s safe and happy. Safety is more important than any complaints. pic.twitter.com/UEeYtrimn9

— Rena⁷∞ (@borahae_4_life) June 2, 2024

As the situation develops, supporters hold onto their optimism that the updated requirements will accurately embody the essence of the occasion and fulfill Jin’s desires, guaranteeing that the “2024 FESTA”will be a cherished recollection for everyone involved.