“Truly Disgusting”: Fans Respond to HYBE’s Alleged Tolerance of Hate Towards Jimin and Jungkook’s Fandoms on DC Gallery

On October 26, 2024, an internal document from HYBE regarding BTS members Jimin and Jungkook gained significant attention on the Korean online community TheQoo. This document was initially disclosed by Min Hyung-bae, a representative from the Democratic Party of Korea, during a National Assembly audit held on October 24.

The post on TheQoo drew attention to allegations that HYBE may have fostered division between the fan communities of Jimin and Jungkook on the DC Gallery platform. The original post suggested that the company did not take action, allowing the two fan bases to propagate negative content concerning each other.

This revelation sparked backlash among the public, with many criticizing HYBE for its apparent negligence in safeguarding its artists. One user on X asserted that both BTS and NewJeans should part ways with the label, stating:

“It’s time for BTS and NewJeans to leave HYBE. Without them, HYBE will likely face bankruptcy. It’s truly appalling for an agency to undermine and disparage its own artists.”

Online discussions further examined how entertainment firms often face allegations of “sabotaging”their artists and their solo projects.

“This isn’t surprising; we’ve seen companies sabotage solo careers, albeit this case is more evident. Other fandoms recognize this and put pressure on management. Hopefully, this serves as a wake-up call for all of HYBE’s fan communities,”a user commented.

“HYBE understands that any publicity, even if negative, can boost their brand. Their collaborations depend on numbers rather than PR. While HYBE’s tactics may be ruthless, they’re undeniably astute,”another commenter noted.

“I’ve mentioned before that BTS as a brand outshines HYBE. The CEO seems driven by jealousy, and I genuinely believe his acquisition of smaller companies was an attempt to shift away from the idea that BTS built his empire. If given the option, he would discard them,”a fan expressed.

Numerous fans voiced their desires for both Jimin and Jungkook to dissolve their ties with HYBE due to the company’s failure to ensure their protection.

“This is outrageous… HYBE protecting its artists? That’s laughable! They stand by while hate speech proliferates among fan factions because they value ‘dedicated’ fans—regardless of the consequences. Fortunately, Jimin and Jungkook overcome the turmoil caused by toxic soloists and fan wars,”one supporter said.

“May you find protection and peace, Jimin and Jungkook. I hope you are surrounded by compassionate individuals who prioritize your best interests! Praying for your safety and well-being! As long as you have one another, you will always have each other’s support,”another person commented.

“They need to be left alone. HYBE ought to defend them instead of exposing its artists to these issues. This company is irrelevant; Jimin and Jungkook deserve to exit this toxic environment.”a different fan noted.

Updates on the Solo Careers of BTS’ Jimin and Jungkook

Between 2022 and 2024, Jimin and Jungkook of BTS embarked on successful solo careers, each demonstrating their unique musical styles. Jimin’s solo album FACE, which debuted on March 24, 2023, was his first major solo release following BTS’s temporary hiatus announced in June 2022.

His lead single, Like Crazy, showcased a synth-pop vibe, successfully blending his soaring vocals with heartfelt lyrics. The track not only debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 but also made him the first BTS member as well as the first solo Korean artist to achieve this milestone. Additionally, the album received significant acclaim, reaching the Top 10 of the Billboard 200.

On July 19, 2024, Jimin released his second solo project, MUSE, featuring the title track WHO. The album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, while WHO claimed the top spot on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global 200 (excluding the US) charts.

Jungkook’s solo career began garnering traction in 2022 with his song Dreamers, an anthem for the FIFA World Cup that year, created in collaboration with Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi. His performance during the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar in November 2022 marked a historic achievement, making him the first Korean artist to grace that stage.

In July 2023, Jungkook released Seven (featuring Latto), which quickly climbed to the top of the iTunes charts in over 100 nations and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Following that success, he unveiled another single, 3D (featuring Jack Harlow), in September 2023, and then in November 2023, he launched his first full-length English album, GOLDEN.

As of October 26, 2024, Jimin’s song WHO has outperformed Jungkook’s Seven, becoming the longest-charting song on the Spotify Global Weekly Chart, with a remarkable 14-week run from July 19, 2024, to October 26, 2024.

In related news, BTS’ Jimin and Jungkook enlisted together for military service on December 12, 2023, with a scheduled return date of June 11, 2025.

Source