A person claiming to be a former employee of a company involved in Sajaegi (chart manipulation) is alleging that Big Hit Music utilized their services for BTS back in 2015.
This individual claimed that they had already posted evidence of this claim in the past on various online communities. They included past posts, emails, and conversations alleging that Big Hig Music had worked with the Sajaegi company they worked at to boost performance for BTS in the past.
Note that there is no concrete evidence that this person’s claims are true; however, the topic is gaining major traction on three online community sites (Instiz, TheQoo, and Pann Nate).
This is a translation of the person’s original post(s) on Instiz:
“The Truth About BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) Sajaegi Allegations and Blackmail [Evidence]
Main Text:
First, I would like to apologize for the post and comments I wrote in a state of disarray in the early hours of the morning.
After much deliberation, fear, and internal conflict, I have decided to write this message. I sincerely apologize once again for relying on alcohol and posting during a moment of emotional turmoil amid my endless indecision. This time, I aim to share my sincere thoughts and the truth clearly and straightforwardly.
1. Reason for Writing
Hello, I am someone who is well aware of the internal circumstances related to BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) and allegations of Sajaegi (chart manipulation).
Recently, I felt deep anger over the government’s disregard for the public, particularly after witnessing the controversy surrounding President Yoon Seok Yeol’s potential impeachment and the senseless responses from the ruling party.
Additionally, in April of this year, allegations of chart manipulation by HYBE (formerly Big Hit) resurfaced. It was reported that the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), both under the government’s jurisdiction, had begun investigating the issue after receiving related complaints. However, it appears that the investigation is not being conducted properly.
Unable to remain silent any longer, I have mustered the courage to write this post.
2. The Failure of Solience and the ‘Star Crazy Audition’
I was an employee at Solience Entertainment and Age of Star Entertainment, both companies run by CEO Lee, who was arrested in 2017 for his involvement in BTS’s unlawful marketing scheme.
At the time, Solience was a company specializing in the production of drama OSTs and the promotion of singer albums. The company was especially busy when it participated in the production of the OST “Eternal Love” (sung by Min Kyung Hoon) for the SBS drama ‘Life is Beautiful.’
In addition, the company planned an innovative online audition program called ‘Star Crazy Audition.’ The audition drew significant attention, with around 30,000 netizens participating. However, it failed to achieve widespread recognition due to competition from more prominent televised audition programs like ‘Superstar K,’ ‘K-pop Star,’ and ‘Birth of a Great Star.’
Yang Song Hee: Singer Yang Song Hee, who won the ‘Star Crazy Audition,’ debuted as a result of the competition. However, due to the failure of the audition platform, she did not achieve broad public recognition. It was only recently that she began to regain attention after appearing on ‘Miss Trot 3.’
3. Transition to a Record Marketing Company and Sajaegi (Chart Manipulation)
Following the failure of Solience, the company rebranded itself as Age of Star Entertainment and transitioned into a professional record marketing company.
The company began handling album promotions, exposure through portal site algorithms, and chart manipulation (sajaegi) to boost the rankings of songs on music charts. They collaborated with various domestic artists as part of these efforts.
Initial Work Method: In the early stages, the company used methods such as purchasing and recharging cultural gift cards to download or stream music. They utilized a large number of accounts under their control to repeatedly stream and download songs.
Organized Operations: Over time, the company’s methods became more sophisticated. They rented out entire PC rooms (internet cafes) in areas like Yeouido and Gangbuk to conduct large-scale operations. The company’s influence grew to the point where even staff members from music streaming sites would approach them for cooperation.
4. BTS ‘I NEED U’ Project and Internal Controversy
Around April 2015, a project to boost BTS’s music chart performance was suddenly assigned to the company. At the time, BTS was a rookie group that had yet to achieve significant commercial success. However, after the project, their song quickly rose to the top of the music charts, generating substantial buzz and attention.
The issue arose when Big Hit requested additional work during the project. This extra work consumed resources that had been set aside for other artists, leading to internal confusion and controversy within the company.
The situation escalated into a conflict over additional work fees, which ultimately led to a serious confrontation between CEO Lee and Big Hit. Not long after, CEO Lee was arrested for charges of blackmail against Big Hit, though I do not know the exact details of the situation. Following his arrest, the company shut down, and employees were forced to disperse without receiving their wages.
5. Reason for Writing This Post
Although the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) have announced that they are investigating HYBE’s alleged involvement in chart manipulation (sajaegi), I have serious doubts about whether the investigation is being conducted properly.
Everything I have shared here is based on my personal experience and is the truth. I sincerely hope that this issue is no longer buried or ignored.
Lastly, I am afraid of how sincerely this post will be received. However, I am mustering the courage to leave this message now, even if it’s late.
I hope that many people will approach this issue with an objective perspective.
Thank you for reading this long post.
[Evidence]
There is already plenty of evidence circulating online… People just don’t believe it. To mention one example, CEO Lee once instructed an employee manager to upload a KakaoTalk conversation between him and a Big Hit representative on the website Ilbe. That post (from 2017) has still not been deleted.
https://m.ilbe.com/view/9348287357#[Evidence]
Of course, the most crucial piece of evidence would be the testimony of CEO Lee himself, who was directly involved in this matter. There are several materials that employees had access to, one of which is an email request from Big Hit asking for the issuance of a tax invoice at the time.
Other email records and evidence exist, but the credibility and trustworthiness of that evidence depend on the source of the submission. I am also concerned about what kind of harm or danger this could cause me. I am thinking carefully before deciding on my next steps.
I am fully aware that a single photo is not sufficient evidence. I hope you will see it as supporting material to lend credibility to my claims.”
Translation of Email:
“[Big Hit] Request for Issuance of Tax Invoice
Sender: Hong Hyuk Gi
Recipient: [Redacted]
Hello,
This is Hong Hyuk Gi from Big Hit Entertainment Co., Ltd.
I am sending a copy of our business registration certificate as an attachment. Please issue the tax invoice accordingly.
Thank you.
Management Support Team | Big Hit Entertainment Co., Ltd.
Team Leader: Hong Hyuk Gi”
This individual also claimed that they are reaching out to media outlets and YouTube channels to reveal detailed evidence regarding this issue. The poster explained:
“The date for sending the materials has been confirmed as December 23, 2024, at 4:00 PM.
Emails containing the attached materials and videos are scheduled to be sent to the following recipients:
- Government Agencies: 6 locations
- Media Outlets: 22 locations
- YouTube Channels: 31 channels
- Other Community Platforms: 8 platforms
- Influencers: 6 individuals
All of these recipients have been pre-discussed and agreed upon in advance.
Currently, all materials have been fully attached, and the emails are set for scheduled delivery.”
They also shared they are willing to share any information and evidence with those who are curious and explained, “Everyone who provides their email will receive the same materials. Since unforeseen variables may arise, I will stay up all night, if necessary, to ensure that all those who have submitted their email addresses are added to the scheduled mailing list so everyone can receive the materials.”
Korean netizens responded:
“Where did all the people who were demanding evidence yesterday disappear to?”
“It looks like you can make a guess as to who the recipient of the email in the last photo might be.”
“Even without evidence, it felt like the sajaegi was real. Back then, people around me were like, ‘Huh? Who’s No. 1 on the charts? Bang… Bangtan who?’ ‘Huh? BTS won a grand prize (daesang)?’ ‘Huh? BTS is on Billboard?’”
“Everyone thought it was some kind of hidden camera prank.”
“Those who knew the truth because of the court ruling already knew, but I didn’t expect it to resurface like this.”
“Oh, aside from the court ruling, this looks like the first piece of evidence to come out. If they re-investigate this, things could get interesting.”
“But I’m curious, why are you suddenly exposing this now? So there really was an actual company behind this…”
“Wasn’t there already a court ruling on this? That’s why I don’t trust rankings from that company.”
“Report it to Channel A! Channel A doesn’t side with HYBE, and if you report it to them and they publish an article, people will pay attention.”
“There must have been a series of evidence and flow of events leading to the court’s ruling. But the people who were all like, ‘I won’t believe it unless I see it myself,’ are oddly silent when posts like this come up. How curious.”
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