[theqoo] OTHER WEBSITES REVEALED THE PROOFS OF BIG HIT (HYBE) DIGITAL SAJAEGI

BH: They say it'll be until noon tomorrow
CEO: Okay, I'll try streaming it a bit more
BH: CEO Lee's team is working hard
CEO: No, it's all because Big Hit is treating us so well
BH: Anyways, let's chat tomorrow ㅋ I'm leaving now ㅜㅜ
CEO: Ok, please rest~~^^

CEO: ㅋㅋ We entered the chart at #2 We did it. All their songs entered the top 20
BH: Yup ㅋ This reminds me of a blockbuster ㅋ
CEO: ㅎㅎ It's always been like that, it's all a guessing game

BH: Once we're done with the physical sales, let's get a drink together. I feel like this week will be the busist. If it's sort out, I'll call you
CEO: Ok
-
CEO: Director-nim, we'll start graduall phasing out the streaming tomorrow, but the ranking will not drop dramatically
BH: Ok~~

original post: here

1. Can't they just clarify? ㅠㅠ Seriously I wish they could clarify

2. The way they deluded themselves with the "positive influence" is solid

BTS Jin:
- Jin also mentioned sajaegi on December 4th at the MAMA awards. He said, 'Negative methods are fine too, but how about making good music in a slightly more honest way?' as he shared his acceptance speech.

3. This is shocking

4. Yet the members still act like everyone resent them after all this?

5. Even if the media is hush hush about it, why aren't the BTS members apologizing over this disgusting act???

6. This is f*cking annoying

7. They're already getting investigated

8. Meanwhile places like Dispatch and the media are all silent about it ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ If this was revealed from any other agency, it would've created a societal issue already

9. That's crazy ㅋㅋ

10. BTS and HYBE are one and the same ㅋㅋㅋ Everyone is saying we should boycott Weverse and whatnot, but they're still watching all Weverse lives the moment they get released. This is f*cking hilarious

11. They're definitely talking about BTS here?

12. I'm curious about whether BTS know about this themselves

13. In 2015, EXO's Call Me Baby and Love Me Right were released. BigBang's Loser and Bang Bang Bang were released too. That's the time we're talking about

14. They're a national scam

15. The way the media insists on staying silent in this is disgusting

16. Investigate their sajaegi

17. Hul so will this get revealed this time?

18. Hul... they're talking about BTS right?

19. Legendary ㅋㅋ

20. Return back the award f*ck

Full letter from the whistleblower

Main Text:

First, I would like to apologize for the post and comments I wrote in a state of disarray in the early hours of the morning.

After much deliberation, fear, and internal conflict, I have decided to write this message. I sincerely apologize once again for relying on alcohol and posting during a moment of emotional turmoil amid my endless indecision. This time, I aim to share my sincere thoughts and the truth clearly and straightforwardly.

1. Reason for Writing

Hello, I am someone who is well aware of the internal circumstances related to BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) and allegations of Sajaegi (chart manipulation).

Recently, I felt deep anger over the government’s disregard for the public, particularly after witnessing the controversy surrounding President Yoon Seok Yeol’s potential impeachment and the senseless responses from the ruling party.

Additionally, in April of this year, allegations of chart manipulation by HYBE (formerly Big Hit) resurfaced. It was reported that the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), both under the government’s jurisdiction, had begun investigating the issue after receiving related complaints. However, it appears that the investigation is not being conducted properly.

Unable to remain silent any longer, I have mustered the courage to write this post.

2. The Failure of Solience and the ‘Star Crazy Audition’

I was an employee at Solience Entertainment and Age of Star Entertainment, both companies run by CEO Lee, who was arrested in 2017 for his involvement in BTS’s unlawful marketing scheme.

At the time, Solience was a company specializing in the production of drama OSTs and the promotion of singer albums. The company was especially busy when it participated in the production of the OST “Eternal Love” (sung by Min Kyung Hoon) for the SBS drama ‘Life is Beautiful.’

In addition, the company planned an innovative online audition program called ‘Star Crazy Audition.’ The audition drew significant attention, with around 30,000 netizens participating. However, it failed to achieve widespread recognition due to competition from more prominent televised audition programs like ‘Superstar K,’ ‘K-pop Star,’ and ‘Birth of a Great Star.'

Yang Song Hee: Singer Yang Song Hee, who won the ‘Star Crazy Audition,’ debuted as a result of the competition. However, due to the failure of the audition platform, she did not achieve broad public recognition. It was only recently that she began to regain attention after appearing on ‘Miss Trot 3.’

3. Transition to a Record Marketing Company and Sajaegi (Chart Manipulation)

Following the failure of Solience, the company rebranded itself as Age of Star Entertainment and transitioned into a professional record marketing company.

The company began handling album promotions, exposure through portal site algorithms, and chart manipulation (sajaegi) to boost the rankings of songs on music charts. They collaborated with various domestic artists as part of these efforts.

Initial Work Method: In the early stages, the company used methods such as purchasing and recharging cultural gift cards to download or stream music. They utilized a large number of accounts under their control to repeatedly stream and download songs.

Organized Operations: Over time, the company’s methods became more sophisticated. They rented out entire PC rooms (internet cafes) in areas like Yeouido and Gangbuk to conduct large-scale operations. The company’s influence grew to the point where even staff members from music streaming sites would approach them for cooperation.

4. BTS ‘I NEED U’ Project and Internal Controversy

Around April 2015, a project to boost BTS’s music chart performance was suddenly assigned to the company. At the time, BTS was a rookie group that had yet to achieve significant commercial success. However, after the project, their song quickly rose to the top of the music charts, generating substantial buzz and attention.

The issue arose when Big Hit requested additional work during the project. This extra work consumed resources that had been set aside for other artists, leading to internal confusion and controversy within the company.

The situation escalated into a conflict over additional work fees, which ultimately led to a serious confrontation between CEO Lee and Big Hit. Not long after, CEO Lee was arrested for charges of blackmail against Big Hit, though I do not know the exact details of the situation. Following his arrest, the company shut down, and employees were forced to disperse without receiving their wages.

5. Reason for Writing This Post

Although the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) have announced that they are investigating HYBE’s alleged involvement in chart manipulation (sajaegi), I have serious doubts about whether the investigation is being conducted properly.

Everything I have shared here is based on my personal experience and is the truth. I sincerely hope that this issue is no longer buried or ignored.

Lastly, I am afraid of how sincerely this post will be received. However, I am mustering the courage to leave this message now, even if it’s late.

I hope that many people will approach this issue with an objective perspective.

Thank you for reading this long post.