The HYBE Corporation is facing criticism once again due to internal issues. This time, ARMY, fans of BTS, have placed condolence wreaths in front of the company’s building, owned by Bang Si Hyuk.
Moreover, BTS fans have taken out full-page ads in South Korean newspapers to express their concerns. Why are they doing this?
1. ARMY Wants HYBE to Protect BTS and Not Exploit Them
Appearance of mourning wreaths in front of the HYBE building (koreaboo.com)Since Thursday (2/5/2024), ARMY has been sending condolence flowers to HYBE’s head office in Yongsan District. The flowers are still there, neatly arranged in front of the building.
This all started when BTS got dragged into a controversy about their association with a campus allegedly linked to HYBE’s collaboration with the Dahn World sect. This led to criticism from Korean and international netizens. However, Dahn World quickly denied any connection with HYBE on May 2, 2024.
2. Fans Send Dozens of Condolence Flowers to the HYBE Office
condolence wreath at HYBE building (koreaboo.com)Following this, fans started sending condolence flowers as a form of protest. According to Koreaboo, over 500 ARMYs collected 31.4 million won (approximately IDR 398.8 million) for this cause.
The messages on the wreaths express concerns about HYBE’s internal problems affecting BTS. For instance, “Congratulations, you’ve become the most incompetent agency in the industry” and “When BTS needs support, they’re cherished, but when there’s trouble, they’re just used as shields.”
3. Fans Release a Statement Letter in the Newspaperr
open letter in the newspaper (twitter.com/blessyouhybe)ARMY also published a joint statement in the Maeil Business Newspaper, dedicating an entire page to express their protest. Here’s what it says:
Statement
We condemn HYBE for staying silent amid ongoing management issues, causing BTS to suffer from fake news and rumors. We demand the following:
- HYBE’s Chairman and CEO must stop using BTS as a shield against the agency’s internal and external problems.
- HYBE’s music division must take responsibility for attacks and slander against BTS, take legal action, and provide transparent updates.
- We support BTS, not HYBE.
Agencies that fail to protect their artists have no right to exist. Artist protection is a basic obligation, which HYBE is failing to fulfill. This failure could lead to contract termination.
We demand immediate action. Every BTS fan stands united in expressing our concerns.
May 3, 2024 ARMY Fans of BTS
HYBE has responded, denying rumors on Thursday (2/5/2024) and stating that they will take legal action to protect BTS members’ rights.
Let’s hope this doesn’t affect the artists and that the issue gets resolved swiftly.