The South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has announced an investigation into allegations of chart-rigging by the agency of BTS, Hybe (formerly Big Hit Entertainment). The investigation follows a petition requesting an inquiry into allegations that Hybe was blackmailed for chart-rigging practices and subsequently paid off the blackmailers in 2017.
The case will be handed over to the Korea Creative Content Agency (Kocca), a state-run institution responsible for overseeing popular culture in Korea. Kocca will conduct a thorough investigation and demand answers from Hybe once the ministry gives the order.
The controversy resurfaced after online posts claimed that Hybe was blackmailed by an individual surnamed Lee and three accomplices in 2017 for allegedly employing “expedient marketing strategies” while promoting BTS’s album in 2015. Lee was sentenced to a year in prison, while the other three received fines.
What is BTS?
BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, is a South Korean boy band formed by Big Hit Entertainment. The group made their debut in June 2013 with the song “No More Dream” from their debut album, “2 Cool 4 Skool.” BTS is known for their blend of hip-hop, pop, and R&B music, as well as their socially conscious lyrics and intricate choreography.
The group consists of seven members: RM (formerly known as Rap Monster), Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Each member has their own role within the group, including rappers, vocalists, and dancers. BTS has gained a massive global following, often referred to as the “ARMY,” and has achieved widespread recognition and success both in South Korea and internationally.
BTS has released several successful albums, including “Wings,” “Love Yourself: Tear,” and “Map of the Soul: 7.” They have also embarked on numerous world tours and have won numerous awards, including several Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, and MTV Europe Music Awards. BTS is known for their positive messages of self-love, mental health awareness, and social commentary, which has resonated with fans around the world.
Sajaegi Marketing Trick
“Sajaegi” is a term used in South Korea to describe the practice of artificially inflating sales numbers or chart rankings to create the appearance of popularity. In the context of the music industry, sajaegi refers to the manipulation of music charts by purchasing large quantities of an artist’s album or song. This can be done by the artist’s agency, fans, or other parties with a vested interest in boosting the artist’s visibility and success.
Sajaegi is considered unethical and unfair, as it distorts the true popularity and success of an artist. It can also have legal implications, as some countries have laws against manipulating sales figures or music charts. In South Korea, sajaegi has been a controversial issue, particularly in the highly competitive K-pop industry, where chart rankings and sales numbers are closely watched and can have a significant impact on an artist’s career.
The court’s ruling specifically mentioned the term ‘sajaegi marketing,’ stating that Lee had made a ‘sajaegi marketing deal’ with Big Hit Entertainment and threatened the company based on that agreement.
Hybe has denied the allegations and stated that it has reported malicious posts defaming the boy band. The company has vowed to continue monitoring online communities to prevent further harm to its artists.
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Response of BTS Army
As the South Korean government investigates allegations of chart-rigging by BTS’s agency, the group’s dedicated fanbase, known as the Army, has taken to social media to defend their idols. Using the hashtag ‘South Korea apologize to BTS,’ fans are pushing back against the claims of chart manipulation, asserting that the group’s success is a result of hard work and quality music.
Army has made it clear that their support lies with BTS, not Hybe, with ‘We are with BTS, not Hybe’ trending on social media. Fans demand that the group be separated from the ongoing controversy. The fans took out a full-page advertisement in the South Korean publication Joongang Ilbo, demanding that Hybe stop using BTS as a shield against negative internal and external issues.
“We support BTS, not HYBE. A label that doesn’t protect its artists has no reason to exist. Protecting its artists is a label’s most basic obligation, and BTS’s label is not fulfilling this obligation,” the advertisement read. The same day, fans gathered outside Hybe’s Seoul headquarters, displaying wreaths and electronic signboards with messages of protest.
Despite the backlash from fans, Hybe has denied the accusations but is yet to comment further. Currently, all BTS members — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook — are fulfilling their mandatory military service and are expected to reunite in 2025. In the meantime, the Army remains steadfast in its support of the group, continuing to call for an apology from the South Korean government.
