On October 7, a photo of Bang Si-hyuk with KATSEYE that appeared in the New Yorker began circulating online, sparking heated reactions from Korean netizens. This isn’t the first time Bang has attracted attention with a photo with KATSEYE – previously, fans were focused on his notable weight loss. This time, however, criticism was aimed at his presence in the photo.
Some netizens expressed the feeling that his inclusion in the photo was unnecessary, with comments such as:
- “It seems like his self-awareness is over-inflated. He doesn’t even know when to join or not.”
- “Know when to join in and when to back off, man.”
- “Why do you intervene there?”
- “Are you trying to warn us not to oppose this group?”
- “Know your place…”
Several international fans also found the photo embarrassing and even edited Bang Si-hyuk out of the image.
However, there were others who defended him, pointing out that the article was titled “The king of K-Pop“focusing on Bang Si-hyuk’s journey with HYBE and his work with various artists. In this context, they argued that it was perfectly logical that he was in the photo.
Bang Si-hyuk’s journey with HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment) was a cornerstone of the global explosion of modern K-pop. As the visionary behind BTS’s meteoric rise, Bang is often credited with revolutionizing the industry. He transformed HYBE into a powerhouse by prioritizing innovative approaches to music, fan engagement and media content, setting new standards for what a K-pop label could achieve.
However, this latest controversy highlights the delicate balance between her behind-the-scenes role and her public persona. While some believe that his presence may overshadow the artists themselves, others argue that as the architect of HYBE’s success, Bang Si-hyuk deserves recognition in his own right.
Source: theqoo,
