[Exclusive] Konjinwon begins investigation into BTS’ ‘music hoarding complaint’
In relation to a civil complaint requesting an investigation into allegations of music hoarding by the group BTS, the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), an organization under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), is conducting an investigation.
It was confirmed on the 21st that the Konjinwon Fair Coexistence Center Music Hoarding Report Center is conducting an investigation (finding out the facts) regarding complaints related to BTS.
Previously, a complaint regarding the hoarding of BTS's music was filed with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and transferred to the Konjin Center. Regarding this complaint, Konjinwon plans to investigate the facts by requesting a response from HYBE (Big Hit Music).
If an investigation into music hoarding is conducted at the Konjinwon Music Hoarding Report Center, data may be requested from music service providers, etc., and will be reported to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism after review by an advisory group. If necessary, request cooperation from the court or investigative agency. It is expected that civil complaints related to BTS will also be processed through this procedure.
Civil complaints related to BTS arose when the ruling on a blackmail case that occurred in January 2017 was made public.
Mr. A, who filed the civil complaint, said, “Based on the contents of the judgment, I received the first email from the defendant in 2017 from September 23, 2016, when the amendment to the ‘Music Industry Promotion Act’ that regulates ‘hoarding of music’ was implemented. “We cannot rule out the possibility that illegal marketing was carried out even during the period until January 11th, and we believe that Big Hit Music was ultimately forced to remit a large amount of money due to threats,” he said.
In addition, another civil complaint was filed with the agency on the 3rd requesting the cancellation of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism's commendation that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism awarded to BTS in October 2016 for their contribution to the development of the Korean Wave.
In the civil complaint, “As the ‘suspicion of BTS’ hoarding’ is a serious issue that has undermined the order of democracy and the rule of law called ‘fair competition,’ Article 8 (cancellation of awards, etc.) “In accordance with Paragraph 1 of Article 18 (Procedure for Citation Cancellation), it is judged that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism should promptly review the cancellation of the commendation,” he said.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which received the complaint, is confirming the facts and plans to consider whether to cancel the award based on the results of the Konjinwon's investigation.
A music industry official who has filed a complaint regarding music hoarding said, “The word ‘sound recording hoarding’ is wrong. “Whether it is the actual product or the music source, this is clear ‘music chart manipulation,’” he said. “Because the music platform operators already have a close connection with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, it is questionable whether the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism or its affiliated organizations will properly conduct an investigation related to music hoarding.”
In addition, “The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and its affiliated organizations should conduct an investigation based on the truth that there is hoarding of music sources, etc., but they have already opened the investigation window for several years and have not conducted a proper investigation.” “It doesn’t happen,” he said.
HYBE completely denied the allegations of music hoarding related to BTS. Big Hit Music, an affiliated agency, hinted at taking legal action against this, saying, "We clearly state that the hoarding marketing, concept theft, Dahn World connection rumors, and pseudo-suspicions aimed at defaming and slandering BTS are not true."
In addition, HYBE also refuted the allegations of ‘album pushout’ raised by Ador CEO Min Hee-jin. Hive said, “We do not do the so-called ‘album push,’” adding, “We explained several times that there is no official ‘push,’ and in reality, HYBE ‘does not push albums to compete for the Initial Chodong record.’”
https://v.daum.net/v/20240521114332111