The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has acknowledged receiving complaints requesting an investigation into allegations of music chart manipulation involving BTS.
A representative from the ministry confirmed, “We have indeed received reports of BTS being involved in music chart manipulation. After conducting a thorough review of these reports at the Korea Creative Content Agency, we will initiate an investigation.”
The plaintiff, Mr. A, referenced a defamation case that took place in January 2017 in which the court found that the perpetrator made a threat by asserting that “the affiliated celebrity’s music chart was manipulated”through illegal marketing tactics. This verdict contradicted the position of the agency, Big Hit Music, at the time. The court recognized that Big Hit Music was involved in these illegal activities.
Additionally, Mr. A stated that based on the verdict, it is possible that illegal marketing was carried out between the period of September 23, 2016 (when the amended ‘Act on the Promotion of the Music Industry’ was enacted, which regulates ‘music chart manipulation’) and January 11, 2017 (when the defendant’s first email was received). As a result of this threat, Big Hit Music was forced to transfer a significant amount of money.
Mr. A stressed the importance of clarifying the truth behind this incident, even though the statute of limitations for such actions under the Act on the Promotion of the Music Industry has expired. He believes that in order to promote democracy, establish the rule of law, and create a fair market economy, as well as to foster a healthy distribution culture and distribution order for albums, it is crucial for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to thoroughly investigate this matter and make the results public.
Moreover, Mr. A insisted on an investigation into the 2016 ‘Melon Music Awards’ incident, stating that:
- BTS consistently ranked lower than EXO in the album rankings
- BTS’s albums on the Gaon Chart recorded figures that were more than 2 times lower than EXO’s albums
- Despite EXO winning by a significant margin in the Melon Music Awards voting, BTS still won the “Album of the Year Award” , indicating an unclear situation.
According to the verdict and evidence presented by media outlet “Sports Trends”, B was sentenced to one year in prison by the Seoul Central District Court in August 2017 on charges of joint blackmail.
B was accused of demanding 57 million won (approximately 40,000 USD) from agency officials in January 2017 through email correspondence. The individual claimed to possess incriminating evidence of illegal marketing and threatened to release it to the media if payment was not made. This statement was reportedly made by BTS at the time.
The verdict from the court specifically stated that “illegal marketing”had taken place and the sentencing reasons highlighted that Big Hit Music had used improper methods in their marketing efforts, providing evidence for extortion.
Attorney Noh Jong-eun, from the law firm Presence, clarified that the term “illegal marketing”in this case specifically refers to the practice of “music chart manipulation marketing,”as deemed by the court due to the presence of such evidence.
In response, Big Hit Music has released a statement on May 2 denying any involvement in music chart manipulation regarding BTS. They have also expressed their plans to pursue legal action against these allegations.
The source is Daum, which can be accessed at //v.daum.net/v/20240502172046326.
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