In the recent past, the music label HYBE and the beloved Korean pop boyband BTS have been accused of being linked to a controversial cult known as Dahn World. Some online posts suggest that Dahn World is also being indirectly promoted through its music. Ilchi Lee, the founder of Dahn World, also founded Global Cyber University (GCU), attended by six of the seven BTS members. This has sparked speculation about HYBE’s ties to Dahn World. In light of these speculations, the Global Cyber University has announced plans to take legal action against slanderous claims, including those suggesting a connection to a religious meditation group and alleged ties to BTS.
According to a report by South Korean media outlet Segye Ilbo on April 30, 2024, Global Cyber University intends to pursue legal action against anyone making derogatory statements about the university and anyone spreading false information related to BTS. The university stated, “We will take strong legal action against the malicious slander against the university that is being spread indiscriminately.”
The controversy arose from claims suggesting an association between HYBE, the entertainment company managing BTS, and Dahn World. These claims, which have gained traction on social media, insinuate that HYBE’s groups, such as GFRIEND and LE SSERAFIM, have been promoting the teachings of Dahn World.
In response to these allegations, Global Cyber University has also issued a statement denying any connection to religious groups and clarifying its admission process. The university stated, “Our school is a four-year university approved by the Ministry of Education with administrative and legal independence. With all our classes being online, many officer workers and celebrities enrol in our classes. Please stop spreading false information about the celebrity students who enrolled in the school by choice to work hard on their careers,” reports Koreaboo.
The university also refuted claims that BTS members were admitted based on their ties to Dahn World, saying that they were selected through an audition by Big Hit Entertainment prior to their official debut.
Despite these clarifications, the online community continues to buzz with rumours and accusations. In light of this, Global Cyber University has urged netizens to refrain from spreading false information and has expressed its intention to take legal action against those responsible for defamatory posts.
Global Cyber University gonna be serving some lawsuits themselves and have denied all cvlt allegations made against BTSWE LOVE TO SEE IT pic.twitter.com/VNocKEZnwo
— lea⁷ ???????????? (@seokjinbit) April 30, 2024
The university further says, “The school is collecting evidence to take legal action against those spreading defamatory and malicious posts. We will not back down against those who defame the university, its students, and the faculty and staff who have worked hard for the students over the past 14 years,” reports Koreaboo.
Meanwhile, BTS fans, known as ARMYs, have rallied behind the group, demanding protection for the members and calling for severe repercussions for those disseminating misinformation. BTS
I’m glad these organisations are taking action & defending themselves & BTS eventually these haters are going to learn there’s consequences when you spread lies— Dani????@InASubBubble (@InASubBubble) April 30, 2024
A year after the school’s opening, BTS’s Suga was the first to enrol in March 2013 in the school’s Department of Broadcasting and Entertainment, the first online university to add this major. With Suga’s recommendation, J-Hope enrolled in 2014, V and Jimin in 2015, and Jungkook in 2017, all by personal choice.
As BTS members fulfil their mandatory military service and are expected to reunite in 2025 following the completion of their military duties.
Comments
0 comment