An article recently sparked heated discussions online about an article that attributed the success of BLACKPINK Rosé’s latest hit, “APT,” to BTS’s international popularity.
Korean netizens discovered an article written by a journalist from media outlet Money Today that spoke of BTS member Jin’s return to the music industry following his mandatory military service. Not only that, the article highlighted BTS’s contribution to the K-pop industry with their global success.
The article stated, “HYBE’s rise to powerhouse status in the entertainment industry can largely be attributed to BTS. The group has claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 eight times (including solo activities) and has made over 50 appearances on the chart. The majority of Hot 100 records set by K-pop artists are held by BTS.”
However, a heated debate arose when the article stated, “Recently, BLACKPINK’s Rosé achieved an impressive feat by reaching No. 8 on the Billboard chart with ‘APT,’ her duet with Bruno Mars. This accomplishment, too, is part of the bigger picture, made possible in large part by BTS paving the way in the global pop market that once knew little about K-pop.”
Korean netizens were baffled by this being included in the article.
Korean netizens commented:
“What should we do about HYBE subtly insisting that Rosé’s success is thanks to them?????????????????????”
“LOL.”
“Got MONEY from Hybe TODAY.”
“What do you mean? HYBE’s attempts to hold BLACKPINK back are intense, taking down BLACKPINK with their chart-manipulating idols, lol. BLACKPINK doesn’t have any criminals in their group.”
“They are trying to relate Rosé to them because she’s successful.”
“They’re even trying to take credit for the career that BLACKPINK and Rosé have built over the past eight years, lol. This outsider vibe, where they flood social media with ‘BTS PAVED THE WAY’ every time another group does well.”
“They are trying to take credit for the success of ‘APT’ when they didn’t contribute anything.”
“This is so ridiculous. It’s so scary that they think this way.”
“How brazen of them…”
“Money Today?”
“They even undermine Psy, this fandom.”
“Are they kidding? Does anyone not know that fans pool together big sums of money from who knows where, create accounts, and buy songs just to boost the rankings, all so they can get to be on Billboard?”
“That label… I really don’t get their media manipulation.”
“I think even BTS would dislike this article.”
“Do they not know who Bruno Mars is?”
“????”