As the KOSPI (кσяєαn Stock Composite Index) surpαѕѕed the 4,000-point mark for the first time this year and maintained its growth momentum, the value of shares held by South кσяєα’s 100 wealthiest shareholders increased by nearly 70 trillion won in just one year. On the 24th, CEO Score, a corporate data research institute, released a study titled "Survey on Stock Values of 100 Major Shareholders of Listed Companies." The survey analyzed changes in shareholdings and stock price appreciation over the past year, from late December last year to the 19th of this month.

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong secured the top spot on the list, with his holdings increasing by 11 trillion won during the same period. Among the top 10 wealthiest individuals on the stock market, HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk was listed as a new-generation entrepreneur (first-generation founder), ranking 10th.

The group of "stock tycoons" under the age of 30 also witnessed a 47.8% increase in wealth. Surprisingly, three members of BTS—Jimin, V, and Jungkook—were named in the top 100 list of wealthiest shareholders under 30. All three ranked 28th, with each currently owning HYBE shares valued at 21.4 billion won.

According to the DongA Ilbo, this is the result of Chairman Bang Si-hyuk equally distributing 478,695 shares among the seven BTS members prior to HYBE's IPO in 2020. At that time, each member received 68,385 shares (valued at 9.23 billion won). These three members have maintained their full holdings, seeing their value nearly triple after five years.

So, how do these latest reports relate to recent allegations regarding the relationship between HYBE and BTS?

Specifically, following RM’s remark 2 days ago, “I wish they (HYBE) would take care of us better,” some netizens on online communities questioned whether BTS was ever actually given shares. Their reasoning was that if the members were indeed major shareholders of HYBE, they would not need to "beg" for the company's attention but would instead have the power to make their own decisions. Some even went as far as to claim that BTS’s HYBE stock ownership is fake or mocked the notion of BTS being the company's "fifth-largest shareholder."

Therefore, the significance of this news is that it reinforces the fact that BTS members have truly owned HYBE stock for years and are the only HYBE artists to have been granted this privilege. While half of the members have not changed their holdings, the other half have seen significant changes. Notably, a 2023 HYBE press release stated that the “special relationship is no longer applicable as the agreement between Chairman Bang Si Hyuk and the BTS members as shareholders has ended.” This means that not only were they granted these shares, but they also exercise full autonomy over their holdings, including the absolute right to sell, transfer, or cast internal votes.

Meanwhile, regarding the suspicion of why BTS would still ask for “a bit more affection” despite being shareholders, it is explained that because some members, such as Jin, RM, and j-hope, sold a portion of their shares in 2021, the group’s collective ownership has now dropped below 1.1%. In a mαѕѕive empire like HYBE, this percentage makes it impossible for BTS as a collective to unilaterally decide all future plans for the group. Furthermore, the core relationship between BTS and HYBE remains that of artist and management agency under their signed labor contracts.

Overall, there is no room for doubt regarding BTS’s stock ownership in HYBE. However, holding a large volume of shares does not necessarily equate to having the power to dictate the activities of the group or the company. Nevertheless, it demonstrates BTS's distinguished status compared to other artists. ARMYs expressed their reactions on social media following toxic allegations from certain circles:

- Thinking about that Tokki whose tweet I read yesterday, talking about "The well-documented lie that BTS members have shares of Hybe", so ridiculous

- People forget BTS are part of HYBE and the 5th largest shareholder. That's crazy because when some people forget BTS, it's like, "Sir, your data is very incorrect. Please check before you type/speak."

- Let’s act surprised! But seriously, they are humble kings. And you know, RM’s remark wasn't a demand; it was just a gentle complaint before HYBE drove him crazy. Yet, some people are already trying to ѕтяιρ away BTS’s power within HYBE?

- I was about to say we need to bring hyungs to this list then realised they no longer under 30. While BTS is still getting paid and ARMYs are staying happy, haters are busy clinging to the illusion that the group owns zero shares or has ℓσѕт their power at HYBE

- The numbers don’t lie! Despite fake share rumors, data confirms BTS is still at the top, earning every won of their billions

- Haters thought the ‘fake stock’ rumors mattered—meanwhile, BTS is thriving and untouchable

- 21.4 billion won EACH just for the maknae line? BTS is out here cashing checks while haters are screaming at a wall. The gap is just too wide

- BTS owns the building, the stocks, and the industry. Stay mad about it