Netizens React to Viral Claims of HYBE Pressuring Restaurant to Remove BTS Jungkook and Taehyung Autographs

On September 25, 2024, a netizen suggested that HYBE allegedly pressured a restaurant owner to remove the autographs of BTS’ Jungkook and Taehyung. This claim gained momentum on the popular Korean online forum Instiz, leading to an outpouring of disappointment from fans towards the company. According to the netizen’s post, the restaurant resembled the one featured in Are You Sure?! episode 4.

For those unfamiliar, Are You Sure?! is a travel series that showcases BTS’ Jimin and Jungkook. The series, which was available on Disney+, also included Kim Taehyung as a special guest in episodes 3 to 5. As such, the presence of the autographs could potentially violate the contract with Disney+, which holds the rights to the series and its production.

Moreover, HYBE and BTS have an agreement through which the company retains rights to the members’ intellectual property, encompassing their signatures, images, and other content. Standard industry protocols prevent entertainment companies from allowing third-party entities to commercially exploit their artists’ intellectual assets. Additionally, unauthorized sellers frequently forge signatures to sell online unlawfully.

It is crucial to emphasize that the netizen’s claim remains unverified, as the restaurant owner has neither confirmed nor denied the authenticity of the report. Nonetheless, this situation has incited outrage among some fans who have expressed their anger towards HYBE.

“That is so sad, poor mom-and-pop shop. I hope Jungkook continues to give out autographs as retaliation. This is not a good look for HYBE,”one fan lamented.

Other fans accused HYBE of focusing on “trivial matters”and allegedly “intimidating”small business owners with legal threats.

“HYBE made this poor restaurant remove Jungkook’s autograph. They put so much effort into pointless things!”one fan commented.

“So the company insists on removing Taehyung & Jungkook’s signatures from restaurant walls because they left autographs,”another fan noted.

“Threatening small businesses with lawsuits over an autograph that Jungkook himself gave them… yet did NOTHING regarding the HYBE employees dragging Jungkook….”another fan added.

Some pointed out that this could be a violation of their contract with Disney+, or that the restaurant was merely adhering to standard industry practices.

“Stop creating false narratives… there is no proof that this happened, so cease these claims… Taekookers are wildly speculating about this & making defamatory statements about HYBE. I have reported them to HYBE and will gladly report you as well, so delete this post or you could be next,”one fan responded.

“Isn’t this due to an NDA though? I mean it’s DISNEY+,”another fan queried.

“Yeah, it prevents the restaurant from profiting off their artists. That’s pretty standard, and many companies have similar policies, so I don’t see the issue,”one other fan remarked.

Jungkook, Jimin, and Taehyung Explore Jeju Island in Are You Sure?!

Before their military enlistment, Jungkook and Jimin filmed a reality travel show, Are You Sure?!, which aired from August 8 to September 19, 2024. In episodes 3 to 5, the pair traversed South Korea’s Jeju Island, joined by Kim Taehyung as a special guest. The trio explored various restaurants and enjoyed activities like go-kart racing, rock climbing, fishing, and snorkeling.

In episode 4, they visited a well-known restaurant in Jeju that offers a braised chicken specialty. They indulged in a delicious meal of chicken, ramen, rice, and grilled chicken while discussing their pet dogs, Bam and Yeontan.

After their meal, they went yachting, with Jimin and Jungkook diving into the ocean, while Taehyung stayed aboard, appreciating the stunning sea views.

Following their snorkeling experience, Jimin and the SEVEN singer attempted fishing but humorously struggled. Ultimately, Taehyung managed to catch two small fish at the end of their outing.

Are You Sure?! is available for global streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.

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