"That is so sad" — Netizens react as claims of HYBE compelling restaurant to take down BTS' Jungkook and Taehyung's autographs go viral online

On September 25, 2024, a netizen claimed that HYBE allegedly forced a restaurant owner to take down BTS' Jungkook and Taehyung's autographs. The post went viral on the Korean online forum Instiz, where several fans expressed their disappointment towards the company. As per the netizen's post, the restaurant looked similar to the one shown in Are You Sure?! episode 4.

For the unversed, Are You Sure?! is a travel series featuring BTS' Jimin and Jungkook. The series was aired on Disney+ and also starred Kim Taehyung as a special guest in episodes 3 to 5. Hence, the displayed autographs could also be a breach of contract with Disney+ as they own the rights to the series and production.

Furthermore, as part of BTS and HYBE's contract, the company owns the rights to the members' intellectual property (signatures, pictures, content, etc.). As per standard protocol, every entertainment company forbids third-party users to use its artists' intellectual property for profitable income. Additionally, scammers often forge signatures and illegally sell them online.

However, it is important to note that the netizen's claim was not proven as the restaurant owner did not give any official statement or acknowledge the report. Nonetheless, some fans were enraged and lashed out at HYBE.

"That is so sad, poor ma and pop shop. I hope jk continue to give out autographs as a retaliation. This is not a good look on hybe," one fan wrote.

Some fans accused the company of working hard on "useless things" and allegedly "threatening" small business owners with lawsuits.

"Hybe made this poor restaurant remove Jungkook’s autograph. They work so hard on useless things!" one fan wrote.

"So company remove Taehyung & Jungkook's signature from resturant wall bcs they left autographs," another fan said.

"Threatening small businesses with lawsuits over an autograph that Jungkook himself gave them….yet did NOTHING regarding the HYBE employees dragging Jungkook…." one other fan added.

Others pointed out that it may be a violation of their contract with Disney+, or perhaps the business was merely following standard procedures.

"stop making up false narratives...there is no proof this is what happened so stop it....taekookers are off the rails on this & making defamatory statements abt HYBE & i've reported them to HYBE & i will gladly report u as well so delete this post or u are next to be reported," one fan retorted.

"Isn't it because of NDA tho? I mean it's DISNEY+," another fan said.

"Yeah so the restaurant won't make money off their artist. That's pretty standard and a lot of companies don't play that, so I don't see the issue," one other fan said.

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Jungkook, Jimin, and Taehyung travel across Jeju Island on the Are You Sure?! travel show

Ahead of their military enlistment, Jungkook and Jimin filmed a reality travel show, Are You Sure?!, which aired from August 8 to September 19, 2024. In episodes 3 to 5, the duo traveled across South Korea's Jeju Island with Kim Taehyung as a special guest. The trio explored various restaurants and engaged in several activities like go-kart racing, rock climbing, fishing, snorkeling, and more.

In episode 4, they went to a famous restaurant in Jeju that serves braised chicken. The trio had a sumptuous meal of chicken, ramen, rice, and grilled chicken as they talked about their pet dogs: Bam and Yeontan.

Later, they went cruising on a yacht, and Jimin and Jungkook dived into the sea. Meanwhile, Taehyung stayed onboard and enjoyed the picturesque view of the sea.

After finishing their snorkeling adventure, Jimin and the SEVEN singer returned on the yacht and went fishing. For hours, the pair humorously failed to catch fish, but at the end of the show, Taehyung caught two little ones.

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Are You Sure?! is available for global streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.