A recent live broadcast featuring all seven members of BTS quickly became a hot topic online, but it was leader RM’s unusually frank comment about the group’s company that truly set social media ablaze.
During the broadcast, RM openly shared his feelings, saying he wished the company would take better care of the members. The statement stood out precisely because RM is known for being measured and cautious with his words. As expected, fans immediately began questioning what might be happening behind the scenes.
The discussion intensified when Elly Chae, a former director at BigHit Music, shared her thoughts online. Although she clarified that she was no longer directly involved, her perspective as a former insider drew significant attention.
According to Elly Chae, RM’s words were shocking precisely because artists rarely speak so candidly unless there are serious internal issues. She suggested that if the members had enlisted for military service individually instead of together, post-discharge plans and schedules might already be in motion. In her view, the company likely preferred a unified enlistment strategy, but failed to reach a clear agreement with the members.
She went on to point out that this uncertainty comes at a particularly sensitive time. Ideally, preparations for promotions and even a world tour should already be underway for BTS’s eventual return. Instead, the company is reportedly juggling multiple challenges at once, including ongoing issues surrounding NewJeans, conflicts involving former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, legal scrutiny related to Bang Si-hyuk’s IPO, and the heavy push to debut and market new groups. With so many matters competing for attention, she speculated that BTS may feel repeatedly deprioritized.
Elly Chae also criticized the company’s internal structure, explaining that despite its massive size, decision-making reportedly remains heavily dependent on top leadership approval. She added that many capable employees have already left, leaving behind executives more focused on internal politics than day-to-day operations. From a business standpoint, she acknowledged that BTS, as the original seven members and the foundation of the company, are still expected to generate revenue—an expectation that may be adding further strain.
Her comments resonated strongly with netizens, many of whom agreed that meaningful change is necessary if the company wants to move forward sustainably.
Some online reactions included:
- “The company grew too fast, but the system never evolved with it.”
- “I used to believe HYBE was the only place that could manage BTS properly—now I’m questioning that.”
- “They need serious restructuring at the top. The current leadership clearly isn’t working.”
As the debate continues, fans are left wondering whether RM’s honest words will serve as a turning point. For many, the situation highlights deeper concerns about how even the biggest artists can feel unheard within rapidly expanding entertainment corporations.
Sources: Koreaboo
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