On Friday, ARMY issued a full-page statement in some newspapers demanding HYBE and its subsidiary Big Hit Music "take responsibility for the unsubstantiated attacks and defamation targeting BTS" and called for "immediate legal action.”
The fans also criticized HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk and CEO Park Ji-won, accusing them of “using BTS as a shield for negative attacks against them."
"We support BTS, not HYBE," ARMY declared, warning the agency that "failing to protect its artists is unacceptable. We understand that such neglect can be grounds for contract termination."
In a show of protest, some ARMY members sent trucks displaying messages calling for protective measures for BTS to HYBE's headquarters. Some fans have sent "condolence wreaths" with protest messages to the agency.
HYBE previously filed complaints with authorities against those spreading false information and rumor defaming BTS.
Since December 2023, all BTS members have been fulfilling their mandatory military service. The eldest member, Jin, will be discharged on May 12 after serving in the 5th Infantry Division's training unit. In a recent video, Jin addressed fans, saying, "I'll be back with you soon. See you soon."
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