BTS’s fanbase is protesting the South Korean government's investigation into alleged chart manipulation by the boy group's agency Hybe (formerly Big Hit).
Key points:
- The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is looking into the matter following the recent emergence of a 2017 case involving the alleged use of “sajaegi marketing” to promote a 2015 BTS album. recent resurfacing of a 2017 case that referenced Hybe’s alleged use of illegal marketing to promote a 2015 BTS album.
- BTS’s fandom, known as Army, argued that the probe undermines the superstar K-pop group’s organic success and global achievements.
- The fanbase launched the viral hashtag #SouthKoreaApologizeToBTS to defend their idols.
- Hybe has denied engaging in chart manipulation and maintained they were the victim of extortion.
About “sajaegi”:
- Sajaegi involves manipulating music charts through bulk purchases or streams. Those convicted of such can face up to two years in prison or a fine of 20 million Korean won ($14,700).
The details:
- In 2017, Hybe was blackmailed by a group led by a person surnamed Lee, who threatened to expose their alleged marketing practices for the album “The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 2.”
- Lee was sentenced to prison, but the court’s ruling acknowledged the existence of “chart manipulation” between Lee and Hybe.
- On May 4, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that it received petitions demanding an inquiry into Hybe’s marketing practices.
- Korea Creative Content Agency, which is in charge of all popular culture content in Korea, is set to conduct an investigation based on this petition.
- Another petition urged the revocation of BTS’s prestigious Order of Cultural Merit should wrongdoing be established.
- ARMY views the investigation as unnecessary and damaging to BTS’s reputation. They argue that the K-pop supergroup achieved global success based on talent and hard work.
- Fans online also reiterated that their support lies with the and not the label.
What’s next?:
- The probe’s outcome could potentially lead to penalties for HYBE, including fines or restrictions on future promotions.
