However, the opinions of domestic and international fans were divided.
Koreaboo
MOVESthe president, Bang Si Hyukrevealed his confidence regarding K-Pop’s success in the global market.
On December 23, Society of Asia released a short video interview with Bang Si Hyuk.
In the video, he was asked if he ever imagined leading the global rise of K-pop and Korean culture.
“I honestly never imagined this kind of success. When I was young, the global market or the US market, which is the global market, seemed so far away to me. Everyone involved was a hero to me that I could never get close to. And when BTS and I embarked on this journey together, I never thought it would lead us to where we are now.”
—Bang Si Hyuk
And with BTS’s help, he felt he could do things he’d never done before.
“About two and a half years after BTS debuted, I felt like I could actually do things that had never been done before in Asia. I really encouraged me and the members of BTS to do our best to achieve our dreams. And step by step, as we chased the dreams in our eyes, we got to where we are now. Looking back now, the things I do often seem surreal, just like what’s happening tonight.
I honestly can’t take credit for everything, but before BTS became a global hit, the understanding of Asian culture was very limited and narrow-minded. But everything changed thanks to BTS and my efforts. We penetrated the world and people appreciated our culture for what it was.”
—Bang Si Hyuk
While Korean netizens criticized his response…
- “He just got there by luck.”
- “It’s embarrassing that HYBE is becoming the face of K-Pop.”
- “Shut your mouth and come to Korea and attend the hearing.”
- “Riches earned through illegal methods have ruined K-Pop.”
- “Is he still in the United States?”
…international netizens thanked him for giving credit to BTS.
Previously, Bang was selected as the winner at the Asia Game Challenger Awards in New York in October. You can watch the full interview below!
