According to Korea Daily JoongAng, BTS's fan community has sparked a wave of fierce protests on social media.
Their reaction became more intense after the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism requested a re-entry into the digital music scam by BTS's management company HYBE in 2017.
The ministry said it had received a petition to investigate why the BTS management company was accused of fraud in ratings and paying whistleblowers in 2017.
Another petition sent to the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism requested the revocation of the Cultural Medal awarded to BTS by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism if the accusation is correct.
After the move of state agencies, the slogan "Korea, please apologize to BTS" flooded social network X.The crowd was upset because BTS had contributed to the country's culture, politics and economy but was always treated disadvantagedly and took advantage of their reputation.
In history, no group has had their fans demand an apology from an artist.
It must be recognized that, before BTS made a name for themselves in the country, they were the ones who inherited the quintessence of national culture, created conditions for development by government policies.
Although the sales manipulation was not carried out by BTS, the government's move caused public confusion and doubted the group's contributions.
Meanwhile, BTS is serving in the military and is unable to refute false information. The large fan community may be a guarantee for BTS's influence, but it cannot legally represent the group.
BTS's management company is committed to taking all necessary actions to protect the rights of artists. With this situation, the group's eldest brother - Jin - will find it difficult to return to work after being discharged from the army in June.
At this time, HYBE Group is falling into a state of unprecedented crisis. Not only has HYBE and its entire subsidiary system been accused of propaganda of seclusion and discrimination.
Previously, HYBE has been criticized many times for destroying Kpop by taking over the market, competing unhealthily and industrializing their idols.
According to Korean media, the conflict between HYBE and ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin shows signs of increasing tension.
BTS "can't get bullets if they're down", now it's difficult for HYBE to stand firm against the storm.
Not to mention, negative information about BTS is spreading at a dizzying speed. A part of the online community found information suspected of BTS plagiarizing, stealing intellectual goods, assisting HYBE President Bang Si Hyuk in propagating superstition...
BTS is considered a "national treasure" when creating unprecedented miracles for the Kpop industry in particular and Korea in general.
In 2018, BTS became the youngest people in history to be awarded the Cultural Medal by the government. If this title is revoked due to a fraud scandal, it will be a stain on BTS's brilliant career.
However, that is probably the best way to prove BTS' innocence, at a time when the group faced a series of unfavorable allegations that in the past were just harmless rumors.
