Recent judicial findings have reignited concerns about past allegations of chart manipulation.sajaegi” features the participation of the world-famous K-Pop group BTS.
According to court documents obtained by local media, the charges against BTS' management company HYBE (formerly Big Hit Music) include illegal marketing practices specifically recognized in the legal proceedings.
In 2017, Judge Song Bo-ki of the Seoul Central District Court sentenced a person identified only as Mr. A to one year in prison. Mr. A was found guilty of extortion after he threatened to release documents to the media that he claimed would prove BTS was involved in illegal marketing activities unless he paid an amount. Mr. A extorted a total of 57 million won (approximately $47,000) on eight separate occasions.
The controversy stems from Mr. A's claims that he was hired to do online marketing for BTS and used documents obtained in the face of financial difficulties to engage in extortion. He claimed that BTS engaged in illegal marketing and chart manipulation tactics, but HYBE has consistently denied this accusation.
HYBE's defense argued that the alleged illegal marketing activities referred to by Mr. A were merely routine online viral marketing strategies, and that Mr. A's claims were independent accusations unrelated to the agreed advertising services. Stated. The company also emphasized that the payment to Mr. A was a personal decision made by artist management to protect BTS' image, and was not an admission of guilt.
However, court documents suggest a different story, highlighting that the information that Mr. A threatened to reveal was actually related to illegal marketing practices conducted by HYBE. The documents revealed that Mr. A impersonated a third party who had obtained illegal marketing data by hacking their emails, and used it to blackmail the victim.
Legal experts commenting on the case noted that the judgment specifically referred to “illegal marketing,” indicating that such activity did take place, and that this was recognized by the court. did.
The Act on Music Industry Promotion (Article 26) classifies the act of purchasing music records or having others purchase music records in order to falsely inflate sales revenue, and is punishable by up to 2 years' imprisonment or 2,000 yen. It is a criminal offense punishable by a fine of up to 10,000 won. (approximately $16,600).
In response to these new allegations, HYBE is reportedly preparing legal action to protect BTS' reputation. The company has detected multiple systematic attempts to tarnish the group's image and reiterates its position from 2017, denying any wrongdoing.
This development adds further complexity to the challenges faced by K-pop artists and their management companies in navigating the competitive music industry. sajaegi It's a recurring problem.
