“The most unprofessional” — LE SSERAFIM fans enraged as Ktown4U announces album sales were intentionally omitted from Hanteo Chart

LE SSERAFIM fans were enraged by the statement released by Ktown4U Co. Ltd. on September 2, 2024, addressing multiple queries from K-pop fans and agencies regarding the stagnation of stats on the Hanteo chart. KTown4u is an online Korean goods provider whose sales provide stats for the Hanteo Chart.

KTown4u explained that Hanteo Global Inc. had been demanding the personal data of the customers under the pretext of data verification. As KTown4u has refused to comply with their demands, Hanteo has not been updating the charts.

This situation frustrated LE SSERAFIM fans, who noticed a stagnation in the number of sales and stats for the group's latest fourth album, CRAZY, released on August 30. Many fans came out in support of the group and criticized the company for its unprofessionalism. One of the fans reacted:

"LMAO literally the most unprofessional and unserious organisation,"

"That's outright unprofessional and unruly," one fan reacted.

"FEARNOT NEED TO FORM A COMPLAINT AS WELL WE NEED TO PUT PRESSURE ON THEM," another person exclaimed.

"no wonder the sales were low," another fan reacted.

LE SSERAFIM fans, also known as FEARNOTS, were extra sensitive to the issue, as the five-member group had recently faced backlash due to their Live Coachella performance earlier in April. Hence, the fans wanting to make sure of a successful comeback were quick to notice the stagnant Hanteo chart stats. A fan on X reacted in dismay:

"I don’t wanna hear anyone say that le sserafim didn’t sell enough albums when we’ve been saying for days that something was wrong with sales. Now we know why, Hanteo be responsible and honest!" a fan earnestly commented.

"all that "le sserafim flopped so low album sales" "payola" just for hanteo to actually turn out corrupted. we'll see who the flops are once that fraud releases all our sales," an X user demanded.

Many anxious fans reacted to the significance of this comeback and held Hanteo responsible for ruining the momentum for LE SSERAFIM.

"why did that stupid hanteo have to do this when le sserafim's was releasing this cb was imp they are doing so good everywhere and they had to ruin sales numbers by doing this," a fan reacted.

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KTown4U addresses data omission concerns with Hanteo Global

KTown4U stated that it transmitted its domestic and international sales data on August 28, 2024. However, despite receiving the data, Hanteo Global, Inc. failed to update the Hanteo chart without providing adequate justification. Upon filing multiple complaints, Hanteo Global, Inc. demanded the submission of customers' sensitive information under the pretext of verifying the sales data.

Following is an excerpt from the original tweet uploaded by KTown4u on X:

"When Ktown4u Inc. raised an objection, Hanteo Global Inc., under the pretext of verifying the sales data, demanded the submission of sensitive personal information such as the 'gender, age, detailed address, member identification number, order identification number' of the buyers, as well as the tracking numbers (which can be used to trace personal information)."

Hanteo Global Inc.'s demands for the personal information of the customers have created mistrust among fans for the company and its data.

Sales and streams are integral to the reality of K-Pop. They bring the artists wins on music shows like KBS Music Bank, MBC Music Show, Mnet Mcountdown, or SBS Inkigayo. Not only music show wins but also end-of-the-year awards such as Genie Music Awards, MelOn Music Awards, MAMA Awards, Asian Artist Awards, etc. are dependent on the sales and streams garnered by an artist.

The Hanteo chart is one of the most important charts for physical album sales in the K-pop industry. They calculate shipments and albums sold worldwide from South Korea. Hanteo chart calculates real-time purchases that have been confirmed and not estimated, and hence, KTown4U is an essential partner.