Since the beginning of this month, when BigHit Music officially confirmed BTS’s return with their fifth full-length studio album titled ARIRANG and announced their largest world tour to date—comprising a total of 79 shows across 34 cities— the global spotlight has seemingly begun to revolve around a single axis: BTS. Beyond the music industry, the comeback of the K-pop superstars has had a profound ripple effect across media, finance, hospitality, and retail sectors alike.

HYBE’s stock has been issued “Buy” recommendations, with target prices repeatedly revised upward, outperforming peer companies in the industry. Meanwhile, hotels and accommodations near Goyang Stadium and across the Busan area have reached full occupancy, accompanied by sharp price surges. Even the BTS ARMY Global Virtual Membership sold out immediately upon release—a first in ARMY history.

The situation was no different for the recent vinyl pre-order launch on Weverse on January 16. All BTS vinyl versions sold out within approximately 20 minutes, underscoring the exceptionally rapid pace of sales. Across other official distribution platforms, traffic and consumer interest in the product also spiked dramatically.

For the release of ARIRANG, in addition to four primary CD formats—Living Legend, Rooted in кσяєαn, Rooted in Music, and a Weverse-exclusive edition— BigHit Music also introduced 11 different vinyl editions, including one Modern кσяєα Vinyl, one Group Red Vinyl, seven Standard member vinyl editions, and two Deluxe Vinyl editions. Each member’s vinyl features a distinctive color: RM in silver, Jin in pink, SUGA in clear, j-hope in cream, Jimin in burgundy, V in velvet red, and Jungkook in orchid purple.

Notably, amid this sales surge, Jungkook’s Orchid Vinyl not only became the best-selling item on both Weverse and Target, but also sold out on Naver Store in South кσяєα, despite being listed at an additional 30,000 won (making it the most expensive vinyl among the members).

While many fans expressed admiration for ARMYs’ spending power and the overall appeal of BTS as a group and Jungkook in particular, questions were also raised regarding the significant price increase of Jungkook’s vinyl edition. Fans were further surprised by the requirement to pay an additional surcharge during the pre-order period.

"They're scamming Jungkook's fans in broad daylight and his fans are using it as a flex. You're subsidizing the group project, making sure he will never be able to surpαѕѕ it on the charts, imagine paying more to literally sabotage his solo career," an X user commented.

Meanwhile, in explaining the differences in the additional pricing applied to the members’ vinyl editions, Naver posted a brief note that indirectly suggested the increase was driven by demand-based pricing rather than differences in production costs. This statement further fueled fans’ anger, with many αѕѕerting that the surcharge was unethical and a sign of the company’s “greed.”

Some argued that all seven vinyl editions should be priced equally regardless of circumstances, instead of adopting a “member-based dynamic pricing” policy, especially given that the release is being promoted under the group’s name. Fan reactions were recorded as follows:

- Is tis even possible. Never heard hv to pay extra more to buy an album

- Greedy company, all members vinyls should cost the same, it’s disgusting, typical кσяєαn mind set though, grab as much money as you can!

- hey so I don't wanna be cancelled but dynamic member pricing is NOT a flex. this shouldn't be praised -especially for an OFFICIAL store - and jk biased armys shouldn't be robbed blind to get his merch when the company could just...print more to meet the demand.

- OMG but why they always add additional price for Jungkook version. We know the demand but still

- I don't know how to feel about this. Why are Jungkook fans forced to pay more?

- Please don't do this to us you big нιт hybe or yall involved in that sh1t @bts_bigнιт @BIGHIT_MUSIC @HYBEOFFICIALtwt

- Bro hybe not even hiding they milking that money istg worst company ever

- funny how companies love to push the idea of “equal demand” until real money gets involved. pricing and stock are never random when profit is on the line 

- I know this is bcz of Jk's demand and impact. But still this is unfair. BigHit is so greedy

- This is pure greed. Pricing one member’s vinyl higher just because you know it will sell is shameless

- How can a group comeback justify member-based price discrimination? This isn’t smart marketing—it’s greedy and honestly stupid

- I know Jungkook's impact is insane but this is group comeback. This dynamic pricing nonsense makes BigHit look foolish