"Too early for Christmas 2025"— Fans furious as HYBE delays vinyl pre-orders for Taehyung X Bing Crosby's 'White Christmas,' shipping set for January

The much-anticipated collaboration between BTS's Taehyung and the late Bing Crosby for the holiday classic White Christmas has faced a wave of fan criticism. Despite the excitement surrounding the pre-orders starting from December 11, 2024, for limited-edition vinyl and CDs, HYBE's decision to ship the products only in January 2025 has left fans questioning the timing.

The pre-orders, which opened via Weverse Shop, promised fans a chance to own a physical copy of the duet, but the scheduled shipping dates—between January 9 and January 16, 2025—have sparked discontent. Fans expressed disappointment, pointing out that a Christmas song arriving well after the holidays diminishes its appeal and significance.

Adding to the frustration, many noted that international retailers, like Interscope, had already begun shipping vinyl on time.

Fans voiced their concerns online, calling out HYBE for poor planning and accusing the company of repeated negligence toward Taehyung's solo projects. An X user, @tk_misha0130 wrote,

"Thanks but no thanks.Shipping in January ??? Really Isn't it too early for Christmas 2025. How ridiculous?"

Many expressed frustration, stating that festive songs are meant to be enjoyed during the actual holiday season.

"Are you serious? This should have been arranged earlier and out on release day! Bit it's Taehyung so it's late and last minute," a fan added.

"This is a joke, right? You're not really trying to sell us a Christmas CD for delivery AFTER Christmas, are you? Or are you that incompetent you need a full year to get your act together in time for Christmas 2025???," another user wrote.

"couldn’t you have offered it & delivered earlier like maybe during freaking christmas?," an X user mentioned.

"Ships on January 11 2025, wow how fast, Christmas song arrives after Christmas ends," another person remarked.

Others also chimed in, urging the label to provide fair treatment to the Rainy Days singer and to stop undermining his solo projects.

"Never on time for anything Tae related, steady thinking of ways to f*ck him over. You’re such an evil entity," a netizen wrote.

"Don't pre-order shipping date is after January 12, Hybe is not hiding anymore what people go not do with Christmas CDs & Vinyls in Jan? They delayed slow dancing & Winter Ahead CDs, just taking money from fans & sabotaging the releases," another fan commented.

"And "Winter ahead" will be available in the summer?," an X user wrote.

---

Previous instances of HYBE allegedly sabotaging BTS' Taehyung solo works

This shipping delay isn't the first instance where HYBE has been criticized for handling Taehyung's solo endeavors. His recent track Winter Ahead, a collaboration with Park Hyo-shin released on November 29, 2024, faced similar issues. Despite its stunning visuals and intricate Greek mythology references, fans alleged that promotional efforts were lackluster.

Many fans highlighted that the song was initially excluded from key playlists like New Music Friday and This is BTS, platforms that could have boosted its visibility. The track was later added, but the delay further fueled accusations of neglect.

Fans expressed dissatisfaction, accusing HYBE of deliberately sabotaging Taehyung's solo career. Some criticized the company's limited promotional efforts, while others emphasized the missed opportunity to showcase the artistry and potential of Winter Ahead.

---

With Taehyung currently enlisted in the military until June 2025, fans argue that HYBE should take greater responsibility for ensuring his work is adequately promoted. Taehyung is scheduled to be discharged from the military in June 2025.