BTS Suga's Side on Jim Jones Sampling: "Will Delete and Re-release... Apologize for Not Recognizing Inappropriateness" (Official)

BTS Suga. Photo by Official Website

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Hyesoo] BigHit Entertainment (hereafter BigHit), the agency of BTS member Suga, has officially apologized for the sampling of a cult leader's speech in the mixtape track "What Do You Think?".

On the 31st, BigHit stated, "The vocal sample of the introductory speech in question was selected by the producer who worked on the track without any particular intention and without knowing the speaker, considering the overall atmosphere of the song." They explained, "After selecting the vocal sample of the speech, the company proceeded with a procedure to verify the appropriateness of the content according to internal processes, but there was an error in including the sample in the song as the inappropriate nature of the content was not recognized during the selection and review process."

They also acknowledged the mistake, saying, "BigHit has a self-process to review various content aimed at a global audience to identify content that could be socially, culturally, or historically problematic, but we have experienced limitations in understanding all situations and responding accordingly. In this case, we failed to recognize it in advance and lacked understanding of the related historical and social context."

They continued, "After confirming the issue, BigHit immediately deleted the problematic part and re-released the track," adding, "We apologize to those who were hurt or felt uncomfortable because of this. The artist himself is also embarrassed that a problem arose from an unforeseen aspect and feels a deep sense of responsibility."

Meanwhile, on the 22nd, Suga released the mixtape "D-2" under the name Agust D. It was later revealed as a global issue that the introductory part of the track "What Do You Think?" included the speech voice of American cult leader James Warren Jim Jones.

This sampling is from Jim Jones' 1977 speech, containing the message, "You will live even if you die. Those who live and believe will never die."

Jim Jones founded the cult People's Temple in the United States in the 1950s and became a controversial leader after orchestrating the "Jonestown Massacre" in November 1978, forcing his followers to commit mass suicide by poison. It is known that about 900 people lost their lives in this incident.