Hive-Meditation Group Connection Rumors Spread on SNS
BTS, Aileet and Other Hive Idols Suffer Damage
BTS Stockpiling Controversy Also Surfaces
Amid internal conflicts over management rights between HYBE Entertainment and its subsidiary ADOR, suspicions have spread linking HYBE to a cult, along with controversies alleging that HYBE's idol group BTS engaged in illegal bulk buying. In response, HYBE has announced plans for legal action.
Rookie group Aileet is performing the title track "Magnetic" from their first mini-album "SUPER REAL ME" at their debut showcase. [Image source=Yonhap News]
On the 28th, BTS addressed these allegations spreading through social media and online communities via their own communication platform, Weverse, stating, "All the raised suspicions are completely unfounded," and added, "Malicious slander, rumor-mongering, dissemination of false information, indiscriminate insults, and mockery directed at the artists have gone too far. We consider this matter a serious infringement on the artists' honor and, in addition to our ongoing legal responses, we have appointed an additional law firm to respond strictly."
These suspicions began to spread in earnest from the 26th. It is alleged that HYBE is connected to a meditation group presumed to be a cult, with some members of BTS and TXT, both under Big Hit Music, having attended or currently attending schools closely related to this group. Furthermore, some BTS members are said to have directly or indirectly participated in promoting this group.
Controversies also arose claiming that HYBE idols borrowed doctrines or behaviors of this group in their songs and dances. The lyrics "putting strength in the solar plexus and practicing abdominal breathing" from BTS's song "Attack on Bangtan" are said to use the group's doctrine. The song title "Mago" from GFriend's last album, a girl group formerly under HYBE's Source Music (now disbanded), symbolizes a witch and carries religious meaning. Additionally, the debut date of LE SSERAFIM, juniors under the same agency, coincides with the group's disbandment date, which allegedly aligns with the group's doctrine.
Moreover, the debut song "Magnetic" by ILY:1, a girl group under HYBE's Belift Lab recently involved in a similarity controversy with NewJeans, is said to use gymnastics names created by this group. Their dance is also suspected to be identical to the "finger gymnastics" movements claimed by the group to be effective. It was revealed that some members of TXT under Big Hit Music watch meditation videos related to this group, suggesting this is not a coincidence. Posts are also spreading that NewJeans' "OMG" music video criticizes this group.
Additionally, allegations of illegal bulk buying of albums have surfaced. This refers to artificially manipulating album sales, often for special purposes such as breaking records. After ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin's press conference, netizens searching for court rulings related to HYBE found a seven-year-old ruling concerning BTS's controversial marketing tactics, bringing it back into the spotlight.
This case involves a court ruling where Mr. A, who was sentenced to one year in prison in 2017 for joint extortion related to BTS's album marketing tactics, claimed he was involved in illegal bulk buying of music. This led to a legal battle with Big Hit Music. At the time, Big Hit Music stated, "We commissioned Mr. A, the perpetrator of the incident two years prior, for advertising and promotional services for album marketing, but it ended as a one-time project without significant results. Later, in early 2017, Mr. A threatened and extorted Big Hit representatives by saying, 'I have materials on inappropriate marketing activities. If you don't pay me, I will spread them to media outlets and SNS,'" fully denying the bulk buying allegations.
Also, a magazine editor, Mr. B, claimed on his personal SNS that HYBE stole his ideas, and this post has rapidly spread. Since multiple idols are involved, this topic is currently drawing the most attention, and it seems the controversies surrounding HYBE will not subside anytime soon.
Official Statement from Big Hit Music
Hello, this is Big Hit Music.
We would like to inform you about our legal response to protect BTS's rights and interests.
Recently, numerous organized attempts to defame and harm BTS's reputation have been detected. Alongside this, malicious slander, rumor-mongering, dissemination of false information, indiscriminate insults, and mockery directed at the artists have gone beyond acceptable limits.
We consider this matter a serious infringement on the artists' honor and, in addition to our ongoing legal responses, we have appointed an additional law firm to respond strictly.
Currently, malicious posts targeting the artists are being monitored and collected in real-time as evidence. We will apply a zero-tolerance policy without leniency or settlement to the suspects and respond firmly.
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