• By Ridhi Suri
  • Tue, 21 May 2024 01:34 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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BTS has been embroiled in chart-rigging (sajaegi) allegations for some time. Recent reports indicated that the superstar group would face investigation based on civil complaints regarding their sajaegi activities in 2017. The renowned K-pop group consisting of seven members: Jimin, Jin, Suga, Jungkook, RM, Taehyung, and J-Hope, continues to face accusations of chart manipulation dating back to 2017. The ongoing legal dispute at HYBE is deepening as tensions rise over issues regarding subsidiary authority and the conflict involving ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin. KOCCA has initiated a probe into allegations of chart manipulation. Despite recurrent allegations, HYBE has consistently refuted these claims.

On May 21, reports surfaced indicating that the Korean Creative Content Agency, under the Ministry of Culture, had acknowledged receiving an official complaint regarding the renowned K-pop group BTS and the allegations of chart manipulation. The accusations against the group originated from several civil complaints initially lodged with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. These complaints have since been forwarded to KOCCA, which intends to collaborate with BTS' agency HYBE for a thorough inquiry.

According to the report by Sports Kyunghyang, KOCCA may seek data from music service providers, which will then undergo review by an advisory group before being submitted to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. Furthermore, the Korea Creative Content Agency plans to seek cooperation from investigative agencies and the court, if required, to facilitate their investigation. Similar procedures will apply to the handling of civil complaints against BTS.

The accusations of Sajaegi against BTS initially surfaced in connection with a blackmailing incident in 2017, sparking controversy in the K-pop sphere. During that time, four individuals targeted BTS' agency, then known as BIGHIT Entertainment, alleging the use of Sajaegi for one of the group's albums released in 2015. According to a recent report, Mr. A, who lodged a civil complaint, recounted, "I received the first email from the defendant in 2017. In 2016, the amendment to the Music Industry Promotion Act came into effect. This act regulates the album hoardings and chart-rigging practice." The individual further asserted that BIGHIT MUSIC's marketing tactics might have involved unethical practices.

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