BTS Accused of Sajaegi, South Korean Govt to Investigate HYBE Over Chart Manipulation Scandal

BTS Chart Manipulation: The Korean Music Industry is continuously thriving with K-pop bands getting global recognition and topping charts internationally. Talking about BTS is no longer restrained to the K-industry, Bangtan has become spectacularly global at a very large scale, with fans emerging from every corner of the world. However, in recent times, HYBE has been surrounded by a lot of controversies creating a storm that has also affected the Kpop boyband’s reputation, and if reports are to be believed, the South Korean government has called an investigation into the global entertainment company and BTS for alleged chart manipulating. 

BTS Sajaegi Accusations

The controversy erupted again when an old court case revealed rumours of chart manipulation tactics used by HYBE and other major players in the industry. The South Korean government will reportedly launch an investigation into the alleged chart-rigging practice known as “sajaegi” by BTS' agency HYBE. According to various Korean media reports, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has announced its intention to launch an investigation into the alleged chart-rigging practices, which HYBE is said to have engaged in as early as 2017.

Petition to Investigate BTS

According to the report, the case will be turned over to Korea Creative Content Agency (Kocca), the state-run institution in charge of all genres of popular culture in Korea, which will investigate and demand a response from HYBE. In another petition, the culture ministry also requested to revoke the seven-member boy band's Order of Cultural Merit if the allegations were proven true. The honour was previously bestowed by the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. 

ARMY Defends BTS, Demands Apology

Whenever BTS have made headlines, the fans have always supported the group with a massive following, and the amount of influence on the ARMYs. As soon as the news reached overseas, fans showed their disappointment on social media and also demanded an apology from the Ministry of Culture. Using the hashtag ‘South Korea apologise to BTS’, fans are responding to claims of chart manipulation, claiming that the group's success is due to their hard work and music. Check out the reactions on Twitter. 

After everything BTS has done for their country, the government still treat them like shit, they have used them purely for monitary gain! They should be ashamed of themselves. #SOUTHKOREAAPOLOGISETOBTS pic.twitter.com/H4uDzKD21V

— Georgina 1306 (@gedge25) May 5, 2024

WE ARE ALWAYS WITH OUR BOYS
THEY DESERVE WHOLE WORLD💜💜#SOUTHKOREAAPOLOGIZETOBTS #BOYCOTTSOUTHKOREA pic.twitter.com/umrdc6oCI3

— Taesa (@Taesa_love) May 5, 2024

WE ARE WITH YOU BTS
WITH BTS TILL THE END
BTS HAVE ARMYS
ARMY FOREVER BTS FOREVER
BTS HAS MOST ORGANIC SUCCESS
BTS THE KINGS💜🫰
pic.twitter.com/Jz2ujCq7Ke

— BTS Charts Daily (@btschartsdailyc) May 4, 2024