ARMY enraged over HYBE-Ador feud impacting BTS

BTS fans have collectively raised their voices in response to concerns that the ongoing conflict between BTS’ agency, HYBE, and its sub-label, Ador, could tarnish the stars’ reputation.

In a full-page paid announcement placed in local newspapers on behalf of "BTS's Fan ARMY," fans demanded that HYBE and Big Hit Music adopt a responsible attitude toward addressing indiscriminate attacks and obscenities directed at the boy band. They also called for clear announcements regarding immediate legal action and the progress being made in this regard.

"HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk and CEO Park Ji-won should cease using the media to shield the agency's negative internal and external issues behind BTS. We stand by BTS, not HYBE," BTS fans strongly urged.

In the midst of mudslinging between HYBE and Ador — HYBE filing a complaint against Ador CEO Min Hee-jin for an alleged attempt to seize management control, countered by Min accusing HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk of abuse of power and mismanagement — the feud has unexpectedly embroiled HYBE’s flagship group BTS. Groundless rumors have surfaced, including one suggesting a close connection between BTS members and HYBE with Dahn World, an organization viewed by some as a cult promoting meditation and self-improvement practices. Additionally, recently leaked judicial findings regarding chart manipulation by HYBE during the promotion of BTS' album in 2015 have reignited fans' anger.

“The controversy surrounding those allegations was directed at HYBE, but instead of offering a proper explanation, HYBE issued a rebuttal claiming that BTS was being subject to organized slander,” a BTS fan commented on a video clip on YouTube reporting ARMY’s collective action against the agency.

ARMY called for the protection of the K-pop boy group in the announcement.

"There is no reason for the existence of an agency that does not protect its artists. We know that failure to fulfill the agency's obligations can usually be a factor in terminating the contract," they warned.

BTS fans staged a demonstration by sending trucks to HYBE headquarters in Seoul’s Yongsan District on Wednesday carrying mobile billboards with messages like, "When will we see artists being protected?" Additionally, they delivered around 30 wreaths on Thursday, which were placed in front of the building. The ribbons attached to these wreaths carried messages such as, "HYBE is shirking its responsibilities" and "Amid endless owner risks, we hope BTS will part ways with HYBE."