BTS kept their promise to fans by quickly returning with another live broadcast just one week after their spontaneous livestream in the dance practice room. This time, they truly delivered a far more polished broadcast: the space was brightly decorated, there was good food, and the members were dressed up more compared to their usual dance practice outfits. The group sent early New Year’s greetings to fans around the world in multiple languages, while also promising an explosive 2026 together with ARMYs.
During the conversation, BTS also subtly teased their new album, which is scheduled for release next spring. Although they were not allowed to reveal specific details, the members still managed to excite fans by humming a few short melo∂ιєs—vague, but entertaining nonetheless. Even the members themselves appeared almost unable to hide their excitement, much like the fans at this point. They repeatedly talked about how eager they were to show fans what they have been preparing over the past period.
It was precisely within this relaxed and intimate atmosphere that an υиєχρє¢тє∂ moment captured significant attention from the fan community. Leader RM, who is known for being cautious with his words, frankly shared soмєтнing that is rarely said publicly: “I wish our company would show us a bit more affection.”
RM’s statement immediately prompted reactions from the other members—Taehyung sat up straight and nodded, Jimin laughed in surprise, while j-hope repeatedly asked, “Why? Why? Why?” and SUGA questioned, “What’s the reason?” RM then continued, responding, “You know I don’t usually say things like this. I wish they would take care of us better.”
RM directly addressing how HYBE treats BTS is a rare occurrence, as over the years, the group has almost never publicly made demands of or complained about their agency. Moreover, the relationship between HYBE and BTS is, after all, one between an artist and a company—a labor relationship in which the employer holds greater authority, and employees are often hesitant to speak out about working conditions. For this reason, RM’s straightforward remarks indicate that the situation has reached a level that demands serious attention.
Fans have also pointed out that over the years, HYBE has repeatedly failed to fully live up to its responsibilities in protecting and developing its flagship artists—BTS—despite the group’s enormous contributions to the corporation for more than a decade.
According to publicly available financial reports, BTS accounted for approximately 60–70% of HYBE’s revenue during its peak years prior to enlistment. In 2021, HYBE recorded revenue exceeding 1.25 trillion won, with BTS widely regarded as the primary driving force behind that growth. While HYBE invested mαѕѕive sums in debuting rookie groups and acquiring overseas companies, BTS served as the steady financial backbone that absorbed losses and enabled the expansion of the company’s multi-label business model. BTS also played a decisive role in paving the way for HYBE’s expansion into the U.S. market and in establishing its position as a global entertainment conglomerate.
Simply looking at the positive growth in both reputation and profits during the second half of 2025, following the complete discharge of all BTS members from military service—despite an overall industry slowdown and a downturn in entertainment stocks—further underscores the group’s role as HYBE’s central pillar.
However, what lingers in fans’ memories regarding HYBE’s treatment of BTS is a lack of sensitivity and urgency in protecting the members, from their private lives to their portrayal in the media and on social platforms; a lack of wholehearted support in fully developing and maximizing the artists’ abilities and potential; and an apparent failure to adequately promote the members’ solo activities. HYBE has clearly undervalued BTS’s status as foundational contributors over the years.
Meanwhile, fans and netizens have expressed admiration for RM’s courage, once again highlighting his strong leadership. Without being aggressive or openly confrontational, RM chose a measured yet firm way of speaking—strong enough to clearly convey his message. In particular, many were impressed by how BTS, even at the peak of their fame, continue to stand up for the value and respect they rightfully deserve. Undoubtedly, following this livestream, HYBE will be compelled to seriously reconsider how it treats its core artists—and ensure that what BTS has long deserved is finally granted to them:
- RM has spoken up 3 TIMES already about the company treating them badly. It's so нєαятвяєαкιиg that he even had to say it
- they r using bts for profit but can't treat them the way they should f*ck hybe
- today’s bigнιт is different from the bigнιт that grew up with them ten years ago. what'd they do to my boys now....*clicks g^n*
- Joon said it loud and clear and they better not ask him to apologise. Their company can try all they want to replace them, but 2026 BTS will prove otherwise.
- Instead, the company is obsessed with finding the next BTS. There is no next BTS !!! HYBE, learn how to treat your one and only core pillar fairly
- It’s нєαятвяєαкιиg hearing this from them who built the company. RM's so brave, respect our leader so much
- LOUDER BABE! May the company hear this. PROTECT YOUR ARTIST
- Joonie is in a rebellious phase right now, it seems. I approve. And Taehyung also said Jin hyung shared some really warm, comforting words with him
- Imagine how they are just being used to hype every other groups debuting under h y b e. Also, just using their names to sell all those merchandise & collab products that members probably don't even know. But the company can't even monitor & restock BTS members' album sales
- Joonie knows what's going around ,BTS needs a whole new promo , new strategy again for the comeback ,joonie knows it hybe is not promoting them properly
- They better give them the best and the most promo, everything they ask to have, the best team, EVERYTHING. They built that company from the ground up!
