"We want our army bombs back" — Fans disappointed over latest Weverse update replacing iconic BTS symbols

HYBE Corporation's recent updates to the Weverse app included significant feature changes like adding a dark mode, changing the ARMY bombs like button into heart, and more. As of October 22, 2024, Weverse officially ended support for Android versions below 9 and iOS versions below 16, ensuring smoother performance.

In line with its Q4 expansion plan, the app will also introduce a subscription-based model that is separate from existing fan club memberships. This paid membership offers perks like ad-free browsing, offline viewing for video-on-demand content, and access to additional digital goods.

The update has prompted diverse responses. While some fans are excited about enhanced content, others criticized the decision, citing concerns over the app’s moderation and usability issues. The app's cyan and white logo was also changed to black and white.

The BTS ARMY was harrowed over the latest update, which replaced the ARMY bomb like button with a regular heart. One fan noted that they need the ARMY bomb and "purple quote msgs" feature back on the app and wrote:

"I think they need to keep army bomb and purple quote msgs from tannies for only BTS community.. what they'll do about other communities it's not our concerns but we want our army bombs back."

The BTS ARMY was disappointed with the latest app update and said that they would not update the app on their respective phones.

"Nope nope. I'm not gonna update it until they force me to. I'm holding on to that army bomb," one fan wrote.

"Atleast leave the ARMY bomb for BTS community.. What is wrong with them.. I like the old Weverse I'm never gonna update," another fan said.

"I just logged in and suddenly a update like wevers should update their live streaming system not the theme damn," one other fan wrote.

Others stated that they turned off the "Auto-update" option from the app settings on their phones to avoid the latest upgrade.

"Stopped my auto-update for weverse. If I survived this long without dark mode, I can keep going well without it," one fan commented.

"Woke up to weverse being updated automatically against my will," another fan stated.

"The way I ran to my settings to turn off automatic updates for apps. You have got to be kidding me," another fan added.

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Weverse accused of exploiting fans and partner labels to make more money

Music Business Worldwide reported on October 17, 2024, that Weverse earns over $24 million annually from fans' paid subscriptions. The platform also plans to increase the fee from $2 to $4 per month for fans. Additionally, Weverse informed over 130 labels about their new objectives, where they aim to keep 30% to 60% of membership plan revenue while the rest would go to the other labels.

However, The Korea Times reported that several of the small agencies found the profit-sharing ratio of the platform unfavorable. Furthermore, industry insiders believe that the platform has acquired a monopoly on the K-pop industry market, as other labels cannot do fan marketing without it.

Although supporters are aware that the platform (owned by HYBE) must make a profit as a company, many believe that the new membership categories provide benefits that are either superfluous or too similar to the existing perks.

On October 26, 2024, The Korea Times reported that Democratic Party of Korea representative Lee Jung-mun has said that the app is allegedly exploiting fans and other labels to make a profit.

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In other news, HYBE's declining stock value in the market has concerned the employees. Company CEO Lee Jae-sang held a meeting where he assured the employees that HYBE's cash flow and financial status are healthy. Lee Jae-sang added that the company has over 1.2 trillion KRW (approximately $867 million) in cash holdings and convertible bonds.