In recent weeks, HYBE has found itself amidst a storm of controversies, casting a shadow not only over its own reputation but also over the artists under its management, notably global sensation BTS. The latest tempest brewing in the K-Pop industry centers around resurfaced allegations of ‘sajaegi marketing’, a term referring to the illegal manipulation of music charts.
The controversy erupted anew when an old court case once again brought to light rumors of chart manipulation tactics employed by HYBE and other major players in the industry. These allegations sparked a wildfire of discussion among netizens, who swiftly called for a thorough investigation into the marketing practices of BTS and other high-profile K-Pop acts.
Despite fervent defenses put forth by loyal fans in support of BTS, the South Korean government has decided to heed the mounting public outcry. The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has announced its intention to initiate an inquiry into the alleged chart-rigging practices, commonly known as ‘sajaegi’, reportedly carried out by HYBE as far back as 2017.
On May 5, the ministry issued a formal statement confirming that it had formally received a petition calling for an investigation into a concerning incident involving HYBE, reports Koreaboo. This petition specifically requests an inquiry into an unsettling episode from 2017, wherein HYBE allegedly fell victim to blackmail related to chart-rigging practices and subsequently acquiesced by making a payment to the purported blackmailer.
The Korea Creative Content Agency (Kocca), responsible for overseeing all forms of popular culture in Korea, will take charge of the case, conducting a comprehensive investigation and requiring a response from HYBE, reports Korea JoongAng Daily.
Meanwhile, frustrations among fans continue to simmer, fueled by what they perceive as HYBE’s inadequate response to the accusations. In a display of collective discontent, some Korean fans recently organized a protest, aiming to exert pressure on the agency to address the situation transparently and take appropriate action.
The controversy erupted anew when an old court case once again brought to light rumors of chart manipulation tactics employed by HYBE and other major players in the industry. These allegations sparked a wildfire of discussion among netizens, who swiftly called for a thorough investigation into the marketing practices of BTS and other high-profile K-Pop acts.
Despite fervent defenses put forth by loyal fans in support of BTS, the South Korean government has decided to heed the mounting public outcry. The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has announced its intention to initiate an inquiry into the alleged chart-rigging practices, commonly known as ‘sajaegi’, reportedly carried out by HYBE as far back as 2017.
On May 5, the ministry issued a formal statement confirming that it had formally received a petition calling for an investigation into a concerning incident involving HYBE, reports Koreaboo. This petition specifically requests an inquiry into an unsettling episode from 2017, wherein HYBE allegedly fell victim to blackmail related to chart-rigging practices and subsequently acquiesced by making a payment to the purported blackmailer.
The Korea Creative Content Agency (Kocca), responsible for overseeing all forms of popular culture in Korea, will take charge of the case, conducting a comprehensive investigation and requiring a response from HYBE, reports Korea JoongAng Daily.
Meanwhile, frustrations among fans continue to simmer, fueled by what they perceive as HYBE’s inadequate response to the accusations. In a display of collective discontent, some Korean fans recently organized a protest, aiming to exert pressure on the agency to address the situation transparently and take appropriate action.
