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On January 14, 2025, HYBE Corporation faced significant online backlash from fans for allegedly ignoring Jungkook's solo accolades. The controversy stemmed from the company's recent social media activity, which fans perceived as favoring group achievements over individual milestones.
On January 13, 2025, BTS' hit single Dynamite surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify, making it the first song by a K-pop group to achieve this milestone. HYBE promptly celebrated this achievement by posting it on their official X account.
However, fans were quick to point out that HYBE had not acknowledged Jungkook's solo single Seven, which had reached the same milestone earlier. Seven, featuring American rapper Latto, was released on July 14, 2023, and achieved 2 billion streams on Spotify before Dynamite. The lack of recognition for his accomplishments led to accusations of the company undermining his solo success.
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The alleged disparity in HYBE's recognition of these achievements led to widespread criticism from fans, who felt that the company was not providing equal support to individual members' endeavors. HYBE has not yet issued a public response to the criticism. Many took to X to express their disappointment on the subject. One fan wrote:
"Something is very wrong here, and I don't think it's merely social media mismanagement. An explanation as to why any of his achievements haven't been celebrated for MONTHS needs to happen."
Fans continued to voice their concerns regarding Jungkook's relationship with HYBE as they discussed their observation on X.
"Whoever manage this account just follow directives from the top. It's a form of punishment. It makes no sense business wise to ignore Jungkook or sabotage his work but they don't care," one fan wrote.
"This blatant mismanagement and disregard for individual achievements are unacceptable. Change the social media management and start respecting individual achievements," another fan wrote.
"Social Media Management will not do anything without the blessings from the higher up. All these media black out, song credit issues were all intentional…we don’t need a rocket scientist to figure that out. Seems like this company is on self destruct mode," another fan added.
Others speculated that HYBE "never expected" Jungkook to break so many records as a solo artist.
"Because they never expected that JK will make so much noise. It was not part of the plan lol the band needs to come back as what they have originally planned," a fan said.
"It’s not only unprofessional but also abusive towards JK and his fans. I really hope he is leaving that company because no one should go through this hell. It’s really not healthy for any artist to be constantly downplayed. How can you create in this kind of environment?" another fan reacted.
"Congratulations to BTS, Jung Kook's band, on this milestone. But Big Hit's complete failure to highlight Jung Kook becoming the FIRST K-POP ACT to hit 2B streams with his debut song, Seven (2023), is beyond unprofessional," one other fan added.
BTS' Dynamite and Jungkook's Seven: Achievements explored
Dynamite was released on August 21, 2020, and was the group's first full English-language single. The track debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making BTS the first Korean act to achieve this feat. Dynamite also set records on various platforms, including becoming the first K-pop track to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify in July 2021.
The song was crafted to provide a sense of joy and comfort during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its infectious rhythm and positive message resonated with a global audience, contributing to its rapid ascent on various music charts.
The success of Dynamite extended beyond the Billboard Hot 100. The single also topped Billboard's Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts, becoming the first song to lead both simultaneously.
Additionally, the song set records on streaming platforms, including Spotify, where it became the most-streamed song by an Asian act, amassing over 2 billion streams.
In contrast, Jungkook's Seven debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Global 200, and the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts. It also set a Guinness World Record for the fastest time to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify, achieving this in just 108 days.
Subsequently, Seven continued its impressive trajectory by surpassing 2 billion streams, solidifying its status as one of the most-streamed songs by an Asian act in Spotify's history. It also remained at No. 1 for seven straight weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first-ever K-pop song by a soloist to top the chart.
In other news, BTS' Kim Namjoon (RM), Min Yoongi (SUGA), Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung (V), and Jeon Jungkook have been serving their enlistment period in the South Korean military. They will return in June 2025 to resume music activities.
