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On November 27, 2024, fans of BTS member Jungkook expressed their frustration on social media, leading to hashtags like “HYBE Stop Sabotaging Jungkook” and “Jungkook Leave HYBE.” The hashtags trended widely, with tens of thousands of posts at the time of writing this article.
The outrage stemmed from an incident involving the artist's playlist on the Korean streaming platform Bugs, where fans had successfully voted for its creation. Despite its success, the playlist was blocked and removed from YouTube, prompting fans to contact Bugs for clarification.
In a statement, the platform alleged that HYBE, the agency managing BTS, had requested the temporary removal of the playlist. After fan protests, Bugs allegedly negotiated with HYBE to restore it. As shared by the user @Daily_JKUpadate on X, the statement from the platform read,
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"Hello, this is Bugs Customer Service. First, we apologize for any inconvenience caused during your use of our service. ! Upon review, the video in question was temporarily blocked by the agency, preventing it from being displayed. The video you mentioned has now been processed for normal viewing following discussions with the agency. It is currently accessible without any issues."
However, the situation reignited concerns among fans about the company’s treatment of Jungkook’s solo career. Many claim HYBE has repeatedly undermined his achievements despite the success of his debut solo album GOLDEN. They took to social media, calling out the label regarding the treatment of the artists.
"Jungkook deserves far better than Hybe; I pray he’s out of this garbage company asap, they will stop at nothing to sabotage him as a soloist 정국 PUT YOURSELF FIRST. HYBE STOP SABOTAGING JUNGKOOK."
Others also urged the company to ensure fair treatment and equal respect for all members under their management, stating the importance of unbiased support.
"t’s deeply disappointing to see a company that should be supporting Jungkook’s success appear to take every actions that hinder his well-deserved recognition and achievements," a fan commented on X.
"It’s so clear the company will continue to sabotage him. I’m just praying he chooses himself and goes to a different company for his solo activities," another user mentioned.
"This is going too far and getting to be way too much. When will this end??," an X user remarked.
"Tf is wrong with co ? Is this how they treat artists ?," another person wrote.
Some fans expressed frustration by voicing concerns that the agency might be attempting to pressure the GOLDEN artist into compliance. They mentioned that not all contracts might align with the artist's best interests.
"HOW FAR WILL GO? They are doing everything to make JK bend, in my opinion not all contracts are signed with their demands," an X user wrote.
"The most unprofessional company I've seen in all my life," another X user commented.
Previous instances of HYBE allegedly hampering BTS' Jungkook's solo projects
This is not the first time fans have called out the label. There have been previous instances where they believed HYBE had not treated Jungkook fairly. One example was the reported cancellation of his performance at the 2024 NFL Super Bowl halftime show alongside Usher due to his military enlistment.
According to reports, a remix of his hit song Standing Next to You had been planned for the event. Fans argued that Jungkook’s enlistment could have been postponed under South Korean law, which permits delays until the age of 30.
Some other allegations against HYBE include enabling hate and smear campaigns against him while failing to promote or adequately support his releases, which fans believe were sabotaged. Fans further claimed that the company neglected to provide him with solo projects for a decade despite his status as one of their top vocalists and significant revenue contributors.
Fans have also accused HYBE of protecting anti-fan groups, particularly on platforms like DC Gallery. Many claimed that even staff members were found posting negative comments about him on Korean forums, with no action taken by the company to address these issues.
The Still With You singer began his military service in December 2023. Many speculated that HYBE planned to synchronize the enlistments of BTS members to shorten the group’s hiatus and ensure a full reunion by 2025.
