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In 2024, multiple controversies, scandals, and accusations surrounded BTS and its members. While some directly involved the members and had elongated investigation procedures, others were rumors and groundless associations that gradually faded after a couple of weeks.
Despite the members' ongoing military enlistment, they've emerged in netizens' discussions, with many praising their awards and achievements. The following article will detail the five big controversies that garnered much of netizens' attention to the BTS members this year.
4 BTS controversies in 2024: Taehyung's military favoritism, chart-rigging controversies, and more, explored
1) Taehyung's military favoritism allegations
One of BTS' 2024 controversies is Taehyung's alleged military favoritism speculations. This was due to an interview given by the former ADOR CEO, Min Hee-jin. In an interview at a radio show, the former CEO mentioned that Taehyung often calls from the military, and had also wished her for her birthday.
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While BigHit Music or the idol did not confirm this, Taehyung was criticized for using his cell phone, which is otherwise prohibited during one's training period in the South Korean military. However, the military released a statement responding to and ending these rumors.
The statement read:
“At the Army training centre where Kim Tae-hyung trained, recruits are permitted to use cell phones for one hour during weekends and holidays. It has been confirmed that Kim used his phone during the designated afternoon usage period, not at dawn.”
2) BTS' alleged cult associations
In April 2024, according to Chosun Biz, BTS were accused of their involvement or connections with the cult, Dahn's World. This rumor was sparked during the feud between HYBE Labels and former ADOR CEO, Min Hee-jin. Dahn's World is a community started by Lee Seung-heon, and the ideology behind the same is the belief that God and Man are the same.
The members of the cult also worship the goddess of space, Mago. Prior to BTS' rumors of allegations about Dahn's World, several other groups like GFRIEND and LE SSERAFIM were accused of the same.
HYBE Labels released a statement, explaining that these rumors are untrue, on April 28.
“The suspicions being raised are completely unfounded," the statement read.
3) Chart rigging accusations
The next controversy occurred in May 2024, when the group was accused of alleged chart rigging practices. According to Korea JoongAng Daily, the accusations initially began in 2017, when several online posts landed on the internet, accusing the members and its agency of manipulating the charts and paying off blackmailers to not reveal the information.
However, in May 2024, the South Korean Ministry revealed that they received a petition requesting an investigation of BTS' alleged chart rigging practices. The petition aimed to uncover if HYBE's rumored practices of chart manipulation and paying off blackmailers were true in the context of BTS. The results of the investigation have not yet been revealed.
4) SUGA's DUI
Another BTS controversy in 2024 involves the rap line member of the K-pop boy group, SUGA. In August 2024, according to Donga Ilbo, the idol was charged with DUI for driving an electric scooter under the influence. Soon after the news, the idol released an apology statement on Weverse.
He explained that he was driving an electric scooter from his studio to his house, which was approximately 500 meters away. He also stated that he wasn't aware that it is illegal to drive a public electric scooter while under the influence. When the police took a breathalyzer test, it came out positive.
He was charged with DUI and his license was revoked. A private police investigation was held at the Yongsan Police Station, and was then passed to the prosecution. The idol was sentenced to a summary fine of 15 million won ($11,500).
These were the major controversies that revolved around the group and its members in 2024.
