Well, in the context of HYBE becoming the center of attention when caught up in trouble with Min Hee Jin's case, BTS became the most damaged subject even when the members were in the military. Although they have nothing to do with recent incidents, the group has been continuously slandered and negatively accused.
Most recently, HYBE had to speak up and take strong legal actions to protect the honor of Kpop superstars. HYBE's latest press release sheds light on BTS's accusations regarding a cult αѕѕociation.
Here is what HYBE stated as well as netizens' reactions:
"Cult" is not a strange story in кσяєα and even the Hallyu wave. There are many stories that fans speculate about entertainment companies or idols being related to a large cult in this country. On the other hand, there are fans' fears and suspicions about the supposedly "evil" sects that artists are involved with.
In particular, in recent days, on social networks, accusations have begun to spread that BTS belongs to the Yoga Cult, named Dahn World. Rolling Stone article introduced Lee as a cult leader and a clαѕѕic “charismatic con man.” The highlight point about this cult is that "as part of the standard ceremony to be elevated to Dahn masters, the members were required to recite a pledge vowing to ∂ιє for Ilchi Lee if necessary.”
The accusation between BTS and this cult comes from the fact that 6/7 members have stu∂ιєd at кσяєα Global Cyber University (GCU) and the connection between HYBE, CEO Bang Si Hyuk and the cult in question.
Specifically, Dahn World founder Ilchi Lee is also the person who founded кσяєα Global Cyber University (GCU). The following March of 2010, Lee appointed himself the chancellor (or “president” as he referred to himself in his tweets) as the school opened its doors to students. On GCU’s official website, BTS is mentioned—though in incomplete and grammatically incorrect sentences. кσяєαn locations of Dahn World centers had no hesitation using BTS’s name in promotion of their programs—though some blog posts and other traces have since been getting deleted.
Immediately after this news broke out, a series of comments criticizing and defaming the group also spread on social networks. In addition, there are accusations of plagiarism of songs or images from 2015 - 2017 aimed at BTS in an attempt to bring them down. Faced with the group members' honor being tarnished by a series of baseless news, HYBE took a very drastic first step.
Specifically, on April 28, HYBE stated: "We believe this issue is a serious violation of the artist's reputation". In the announcement, they mentioned: "Recently, a number of systematic movements have been detected to defame and slander the BTS. Along with this, malicious slander and rumors against artists, spreading false information, indiscriminate insults, and ridicule are going over the line. "
It is worth noting that HYBE immediately took legal measures to target the misrepresenters. They said: "We will take stern action by appointing an additional law firm in addition to the existing legal action. Currently, malicious posts directed at artists are being recorded as evidence through real-time monitoring and collection. I would like to inform the suspects that we will respond strongly by applying the principle of zero tolerance without leniency and agreement."
Witnessing this situation, ARMYs felt somewhat reαѕѕured when HYBE immediately resolved the problem:
- they are spreading lies and hate against our boys
- Much needed at this time. our boys don't deserve such things..we stand with them
- Yes, please protect our boys
- GET THEM ALL. PROTECT BTS
- Bigнιт Sue them yeah zero tolerance
- Yesss sue them all .
- PROTECT BTS ALL THE COST
- ARMY'S DON'T FORGET WE ARE BULLETPROOF
- It's end of their dirtiness
- As they should. No leniency, the things ppl are speaking online are vile.
- Finally, I hope they PROTECT BTS
