BTS Faces Chart Manipulation Allegations, HYBE Denies Claims

The ongoing legal battle at HYBE has escalated because of the growing disagreement over ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin’s authority. Adding to the issue, on May 21, the Korean Creative Content Agency (KCCA), which is part of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, acknowledged that it had received an official complaint regarding BTS’s suspected Sajaegi (chart manipulation).

According to reports, the complaints were initially sent to the Ministry of Culture but were then transferred to the KCCA. It is stated that HYBE would be contacted by the KCCA to look into the allegations.

The seven-member K-pop boy band BTS—Jimin, Jin, Suga, Jungkook, RM, Taehyung, and J-Hope—is still facing accusations of engaging in chart-rigging tactics that date back to 2017.

HYBE has refuted these allegations time and time again, whenever they have been raised. K-users, on the other hand, have strongly objected to this development. Many of them think the charges are unfounded and are an attempt to discredit BTS’s accomplishments.

The inquiry has started, according to current developments, despite the conflicting reactions from the public.

Furthermore, it has been stated that KOCCA is thinking about asking investigators or legal authorities for help if needed. Sports Kyunghyang claims that KOCCA is also capable of requesting information from music streaming firms.

After being examined by a commission, the investigation’s findings will be sent to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

Mirchi Plus cited an industry source who said, “The term ‘music chart manipulation’ itself is misleading.”

Whether digital or physical records are involved, the source continued, this is unmistakably “music chart manipulation.”

They stated that given their strong relationships with music streaming sites, it is doubtful whether KOCCA and its subordinate bodies will carry out a thorough inquiry into music chart manipulation.

For those who do not know, Sajaegi is the illicit act of tampering with music charts.

Even though BTS addressed these concerns back in 2017 and was absolved of them, they have since emerged, leading to requests for a comprehensive probe.

The first accusations surfaced in 2017 following an instance of blackmail, and even though BTS was shown to be innocent at the time, the matter is still unresolved.