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‘South Korea is nothing without BTS’: fans of boy band demand apology from Seoul over chart-rigging probe
- The fans say Seoul is ‘disrespecting’ BTS as the K-pop superstars have contributed significantly to the country’s economy and soft power
- BTS’ agency Hybe is under scrutiny after it was allegedly blackmailed into paying individuals who were aware of its unethical business tactics
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South Korea’s decision to investigate K-pop juggernaut BTS’ agency Hybe over a chart-rigging scandal has faced backlash from the boy band’s fans who accused the government of “disrespecting” the stars despite their cultural influence powering the economy and demanded an apology from Seoul.
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The ministry of culture, sports and tourism said the state-run Korea Creative Content Agency would examine a petition that alleged Hybe was blackmailed into paying a third-party vendor and his accomplices who were aware of its unethical business tactics in 2017.
The ministry said the agency would get to the bottom of the case and seek answers from the music label.
It added the government also received another petition requesting the Order of Cultural Merit awarded to BTS be rescinded if Hybe, then known as Big Hit Entertainment, was found guilty of malpractice.
BTS received the honour in 2018 for promoting K-pop worldwide.
The investigation came after details of a judgment in a chart manipulation trial resurfaced online.
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