TXT’s New Release Sparks Controversy Amid HYBE Scandal

Recently, the popular K-pop group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) has captured the spotlight with their latest track, Over The Moon. This song, which forms the centerpiece of their newly launched album, The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY, was officially released on November 4. Notably, it was composed and produced by prominent figures in the industry, including HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk, also known as “hitman” bang, as well as Slow Rabbit and Mark Schick.

Netizens Express Discontent

Despite the excitement surrounding the new album, there has been a notable backlash from Korean netizens. Many fans expressed a lack of interest in supporting TXT’s music, largely due to the controversies involving Bang Si-hyuk. This comes in the wake of leaked internal documents from HYBE that have stirred significant discontent within the K-pop community.

A wave of criticism surfaced following the revelation of Bang Si-hyuk’s alleged connections to these internal documents during an audit at the National Assembly on October 24. The subsequent sharing of additional documents, reportedly by a self-identified employee of HYBE, fueled further dissatisfaction. According to a report by Sports Kyunghyang on November 2, an email allegedly from Bang PD dated July 2023 was circulated, compounding the controversy.

Fan Reactions and Criticism

On various online platforms, including the popular forum TheQoo, fans voiced their disappointment with Bang Si-hyuk’s involvement in the song’s production. They expressed discontent by stating they would refrain from streaming Over The Moon. One user remarked:

“Ugh, I’ll never listen to that,”

Another fan elaborated:

“I don’t know what the idol did wrong, but I can’t support HYBE after seeing them act like that.”

This sentiment reflected a broader frustration, with one user indicating that the internal document scandal was a significant factor in their reluctance to support the music.

Mixed Feedback on the New Album

In the midst of this controversy, some fans have expressed their admiration for the new songs from TXT. While critical voices have emerged, others have emphasized the quality of the music itself. One supportive fan stated:

“Regardless of the composer, the song is good haha. Cheer up, fans!”

Furthermore, another noted the improvement in production quality:

“Bang Si-hyuk seems to be putting in more effort. I watched the music video and everyone was really handsome.”

A Major Milestone for TXT

Despite the ongoing debate, TXT’s The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY has achieved significant commercial success. This album not only features the title track Over The Moon but also includes other songs like Heaven, Danger, Resist (Not Gonna Run Away), Forty One Winks, and Higher Than Heaven. On its release day, the album sold over 1,217,880 units, marking it as their fifth consecutive million-selling album, as reported by the Hanteo Chart.

TXT continues to gain momentum with their ongoing Act: Promise world tour, with upcoming performances scheduled in Japan on November 30, 2024.

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