ARMYs Published Statement In News & Sent Protest Trucks To Voice Against HYBE Using BTS Shield
Amid the intensifying conflict between HYBE and its label ADOR, ARMYs voiced protest against suspicions surrounding BTS
On May 3rd, some ARMY issued a lengthy statement in a daily newspaper via advertisement section, saying “Amid HYBE’s ongoing internal dispute over management, we condemn the agency HYBE for sitting on the sidelines even though BTS, who has nothing to do with the current situation, is suffering great damage from false news and rumors. Therefore, we have some requests as follows.”
They explained, “HYBE’s Chairman Bang Si-hyuk and CEO Park Ji-won should stop their media play putting BTS in the front as a shield against the negative issues of the company in Korea and overseas. We strongly demand HYBE’s label Big Hit Music deal with reckless attacks on BTS for malicious intentions in a responsible manner and immediately take legal action and announce the progress.”
They continued, “We support BTS, not HYBE”, adding “There’s no reason for an agency that fails to protect its artists to exist. Although protecting the artists is the most basic duty of an agency, BTS’s agency is not fulfilling faithfully. We believe that the agency’s failure to fulfill its obligations can be considered a factor in breach of contract. Therefore, we demand the agency’s immediate compliance with the obligations”.
They added, “As mentioned above, we would like to inform you that individual fans who love BTS have come together to spread our intentions by issuing this statement”.
Earlier on the same day, some ARMYs also sent condolence wreaths to HYBE’s office building in Yongsan District, Seoul with messages such as, “Congratulations to the incompetent agency, the worst agency in the industry”, “‘Our BTS’ when needed, bulletproof when at disadvantage”, “Hope the owner risk won’t be at peace, I wish for BTS’s breakaway from HYBE”, etc.
They also sent protest trucks to the building with phrases such as, “We condemn the incompetent Chairman who is hiding behind BTS’s shield when facing internal management issues”, “We hope BTS, who is facing the bullets instead, leaves HYBE”, “Using 5G for company’s controversy but staying silent regarding rumors about artists”, etc. In particular, BTS member Jimin’s fans voiced disappointment in HYBE’s support of Jimin’s activities and sent protest trucks asking the company to protect the artist. Their truck protest will be held on three days, on the 2nd, the 3rd and the 6th of this month.
Meanwhile, an internal conflict between HYBE and its label ADOR recently arose, and BTS was suddenly called out in various controversies over viral marketing in 2017, concept plagiarism, involvement in Dahnworld, etc.
On April 28th, Big Hit Music released a notice emphasizing their legal action against malicious postings and rumors without leniency. All seven members of BTS are currently serving in the military. The eldest member Jin will be discharged on the 12th of next month. BTS already renewed their contract with HYBE in September last year, aiming to resume group activities in 2025.
