South Korean Government to Investigate BTS’ Agency for Alleged Chart Manipulation
The South Korean government has initiated an investigation into accusations of chart manipulation (sajaegi) by HYBE, the agency managing the globally renowned K-pop group BTS. This follows a 2017 incident where HYBE, formerly known as BigHit Entertainment, was allegedly blackmailed by an individual named Lee and three others. They claimed that the company employed “expedient marketing strategies” for BTS’ album promotions in 2015, with the term “sajaegi marketing” cited in a court ruling.
The Cultural Ministry of South Korea confirmed receiving a petition demanding an inquiry into why HYBE succumbed to the blackmail demands and another petition calling for the revocation of BTS’ Order of Cultural Merit should the allegations prove true. The Order of Cultural Merit was previously awarded to BTS by the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism for their contributions to culture and arts.
The BTS fanbase, known as ARMY, has vehemently defended the group on social platforms, with hashtags like “South Korea apologize to BTS” trending. Fans argue that targeting the group, whose members are currently serving in the South Korean military, is unfair, particularly when they are unable to defend themselves. This development has sparked widespread debates about the integrity of music charting processes and the pressures faced by top music groups like BTS.
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