BTS is being investigated by Korea’s Ministry of Culture for alleged ‘Sajaegi’ card manipulation: report

The legal conflict at HYBE continues to intensify as the dispute over the subsidiary and ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin escalates. KOCCA has announced an investigation into card-tampering allegations by BTS, known as “Sajaegi.” On May 21, reports surfaced that the Korean Creative Content Agency, which operates under the Ministry of Culture, had confirmed receipt of an official complaint regarding legendary K-pop band BTS and allegations of chart manipulation.

KOCCA initiates investigation against HYBE

BTS, the K-pop boy band consisting of seven members Jimin, Jin, Suga, Jungkook, RM, Taehyung and J-Hope, remains embroiled in chart-tampering allegations dating back to 2017. HYBE has repeatedly denied these claims have surfaced. According to K-Media reports, initial complaints were lodged with the Ministry of Culture but were later forwarded to the KCCA.

The investigation team will contact HYBE shortly to investigate the allegations. However, the news did not go down well with many K-netizens, who consider these claims to be completely false and see it as an attempt to undermine the group’s success. Despite mixed reactions, recent updates suggest the investigation has begun. A new investigation is reportedly underway into allegations of chart manipulation by the BTS label in 2017.

Also read: Kim Woo Bin and Bae Suzy team up after seven years for a new Netflix romance in pure goblin style

BTS chart manipulation investigation begins

Additionally, the report states that KCCA is considering seeking help from courts or investigators if necessary. According to Sports Kyunghyang, KCCA may also request information from music streaming services. After the examination is completed by a committee, the result is sent to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

An industry insider previously familiar with the case said: “The term ‘music chart manipulation’ itself is misleading. Whether it is physical albums or digital music, it is clearly ‘music chart manipulation.'” Whether KOCCA and its subordinate authorities will conduct a proper investigation into music chart manipulation remains to be seen, given their close ties to music -Streaming platforms questionable.”

Also Read: Jennifer Lopez Flies Solo at Netflix’s Atlas Premiere; All eyes are on the wedding ring while Ben Affleck stays away.

What is BTS’s Sajaegi accusation?

Sajaegi, which refers to the illegal practice of manipulating music charts, is a popular term in K-pop and has claimed the careers of many K-pop groups. Even though BTS came out clear and innocent after dealing with the allegations when they first surfaced in 2017, claims continue to emerge that require in-depth investigation. The allegations first surfaced in 2017 following an extortion incident. This year, individuals threatened Bighit, claiming they would expose alleged agency wrongdoing that allegedly occurred in albums released by the group in 2015.

“It should be noted that BigHit has always denied the claims as defamatory. They had previously stated: “Allegations of chart manipulation, marketing manipulation, concept plagiarism, links to a cult and other such allegations that tarnish BTS’s reputation are false.” “We have repeatedly made it clear that there is no such activity,”