They took the courage to finally publish it online.
Koreaboo
Recently, a netizen claimed to be aware of the surrounding internal affairs BTSGraph Manipulation published a post online with alleged evidence.
First, I apologize for the article and comments I wrote without much thought this morning. After much fear and debate, I have decided to publish this message. I apologize once again for going back and forth while writing while relying on alcohol. I will briefly summarize the facts.
— Netizens
They also revealed why I wrote this post.
“I am well aware of the internal affairs regarding BTS’s chart manipulation. I have recently felt anger about the impeachment controversy and the governing party’s response to it. Furthermore, suspicions of chart manipulation by HYBE were raised again last April.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency said they would launch an investigation, but it was not pursued. I can’t stay silent, so I’m gathering the courage to write this.”
— Netizens
As for the evidence, they posted a screenshot of an email.
“Although the greatest evidence would be a statement from CEO Lee, as he was responsible… among the few documents that employees can access, I share the tax invoice request email I received at the time from Big Hit.
However, I am concerned about the kind of damage this will cause, as the credibility of other email content and evidence depends on who sent it. I know a photo is not proof at all. Please consider this as proof of the credibility of my post.
— Netizens
“Request for issuing a tax invoice
File name: BIGHIT Business Registration Certificate
Hi, I’m *** from Big Hit Entertainment. I have attached a copy of our company’s business registration, so please send a tax invoice. Thank you.”
As for other evidence, they linked to a previous post from Ilbe site in 2017, which revealed KakaoTalk conversation between CEO Lee and a highly successful executive.
“BH: They say it will last until tomorrow noon
CEO: Ok, I’ll try to broadcast some more
BH: CEO Lee’s team is working hard
CEO: No, it’s all because Big Hit has great teamwork.
BH: Anyway, let’s talk about it tomorrow. I’m leaving now ㅜㅜ
CEO: Ok, please rest~~”
“CEO: We entered the charts at number 2. It works well. All their songs entered the top 20
BH: YES. This reminds me of a blockbuster movie.
CEO: It’s always been like this, it’s all a guessing game.”
“BH: Once the physical sales are finished, let’s have something to drink together. I feel like this week will be the busiest. I’ll call you when everything is settled.
CEO: OK
CEO: Director, streaming will be phased out tomorrow, but the ranking will not drop drastically.
BH: OK.”
It was also reported that this case too had already been recognized for card manipulation in the verdict.
Many Korean netizens asked for explanations about this.
- “BTS was really created through manipulation.”
- “From plagiarism to manipulation, they have done nothing on their own… they are downright arrogant.”
- “Explain all this… otherwise abandon the industry, scammers.”
- “I saw on another site that the name in the email was actually a former Big Hit employee… the evidence is clear.”
- “Hasn’t the verdict already been decided in court?”
- “What do you mean come back… never leave.”
Was BTS involved in “chart manipulation”? The Court explicitly mentions “illegal” marketing and “Sajaegi”.
