HYBE Under Fire For BTS Jungkook’s Upcoming Collaboration With Justin Timberlake

BTS’s Jungkook is set to release a version of his hit solo song “3D” with Justin Timberlake. Justin Timberlake is a huge name in the pop industry, with success in the early 2000s. He made history as an icon of his time. While the collaboration would have been the envy of many previously, recent news about Timberlake has set the tone sour.

Cover photo. | HYBE

Timberlake’s reputation took a huge hit when his treatment of ex-girlfriend Britney Spears was revealed belatedly. In 2023, it was revealed by Spears that Timberlake failed to support Spears after their abortion when she was in her teens, he also made use of her for fame. Spears was already a household name when Timberlake was still on the rise. He made a back door deal with the media to provide information on Spears in exchange for publicity. Ultimately, Timberlake spun the public narrative to his benefit, painting himself as a good boyfriend and Spears a provocative ex.

Spears and Timberlake. | Vulture

As a result, Timberlake is now in the pits with the public. Jungkook’s sudden collaboration with the fallen star came as a shock to fans. Fans criticized HYBE for failing to recognize the wrongs that Timberlake stood for.

Netizen reactions. | theqoo

• HYBE is so off with this one. Out of all the many pop stars, why Justin? Why is the OP getting chewed out? Isn’t HYBE the problem for thinking that the collaboration would go over smoothly?
• F*ck Justin Timberlake. He’s a f*cker out of your imaginations. It’s better for HYBE to cancel the schedules and not link themselves with him, for the same of the artists’ image nad protection. F*ck and ARMYs, get a grip.
• When was what HYBE does ever moral? They’re a company that only cares about the results. Why are you surprised?
• Why is this post problematic? People are insane for picking a bone.
• Is HYBE f*cking going to do their job like this? Can’t you see that people are dragging Jungkook too with al sorts of curses? At this rate, it’s not that they can’t read the room, but they value money first.
• HYBE’s so bad at their job…

International netizens are also similarly angered.

Netizen comments. | Reddit

HYBE has yet to responds to the criticism.