HYBE Are Reportedly Investigating Accusations Of Chart Plagiarism, Concept Theft, And Cult Association

Recent reports claim that HYBE is investigating a series of serious accusations regarding BTS that have surfaced online. These include accusations of chart manipulation, stealing creative concepts, and even being associated with a cult.

| BIGHIT MUSIC

Recent online forums have seen a flurry of claims surrounding BTS, prompting a need for clarity through a statement from HYBE. In response to Donga.com‘s question about whether HYBE plans to officially address these issues, a representative from the company stated that they are reviewing the matters.

HYBE said they are “looking into the matter.”

— Donga.com

HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk | Donga.com

The most notable accusation is the company’s alleged involvement in chart manipulation linked to BTS’s mini-album The Most Beautiful Moment In Life, which debuted in 2015. The EP features the chart-topping single “I NEED U,” which significantly boosted BTS’s popularity at the time.

Documents and discussions from 2017 are circulating online, accusing “Mr. A” of extorting money by threatening to expose BTS’s alleged use of controversial marketing strategies. It was during this period that Mr. A was reportedly involved in these tactics, eventually leading to his legal indictment.

According to court documents, Mr. A was convicted of exploiting confidential information from his business dealings and threatening to release it unless paid. Despite HYBE’s allegedly suspicious practices, the court acknowledged an attempt at manipulation and sentenced Mr. A to one year in prison.

Fast forward to 2018, an individual claiming to be Mr. A uploaded an online post in which he alleged involvement in illegal chart manipulation on behalf of BTS, claimed non-payment for the services, and subsequent imprisonment after attempting to coerce the agency.

BTS with HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk | Time Magazine

The second set of allegations came from a former model and the editor of ZUZN, an erotic magazine. Known as Duri, the editor accused HYBE’s Bang Si Hyuk of stealing her “wet” concept and ideas and using them without permission for BTS’s The Most Beautiful Moment In Life concept photoshoot. You can read more about Duri’s accusations here:

Erotic Magazine Editor Accuses Bang Si Hyuk Of Stealing Her “Wet” Concept For BTS

Lastly, HYBE and BTS are facing serious claims of indirectly promoting and being associated with an infamous cult known as Dahn World. The organization — which allegedly operates as a meditation community — is accused of having cult-like characteristics. Accusers suggest that BTS and other HYBE artists indirectly promote this group with symbols associated with their music.

HYBE Accused of Cult Association: Fan-Found “Evidences” Fuel Conspiracies

As the accusations keep circulating online, there is a lot of confusion surrounding them — thus, netizens are waiting for clear responses and explanations from the company.