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BTS Jin’s ‘hug event’ entry conditions changed; HYBE apologizes for dispute

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BTS member Jin / Courtesy of BigHit Music

By KTimes

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HYBE, the parent company of BigHit Music, has announced a change in the criteria for its fan event featuring BTS member Jin amid growing criticism of inventory dumping tactics as controversy swirled around the entry requirements.

BigHit Music, the agency representing BTS, had initially stated that entry to the 2024 FESTA — the Jin offline event — would be limited to members of the ARMY, BTS’s official fan club, who purchased BTS’s “Proof” album or any subsequent solo albums by BTS members through the Weverse Shop between 11 a.m. on Sunday and 11:59 p.m. on Thursday.

However, the announcement sparked a backlash among fans, many of whom had already purchased these albums. The entry method, which increased the chances of winning based on the number of albums purchased, was criticized for resembling coerced bulk buying practices. Fans said this forced them into redundant purchases, raising ethical concerns about the sales strategy.

Fans voiced their dissatisfaction, questioning the fairness of the entry requirements. Comments like “Why are we being told to buy albums we already own?” underscored the frustration. The practice was seen as a way to inflate sales figures.

The agency said that the event was organized at Jin’s suggestion to spend some meaningful time with fans. However, this explanation did little to quell the discontent. Fans pointed out that Jin’s solo release, “The Astronaut,” was his only album before his military service, making the criteria even more restrictive.

BTS member Jin / Captured from Instagram

BTS member Jin / Captured from Instagram

Official apology and criteria revision

Responding to the criticism, BigHit Music issued an apology, saying, “We apologize for the previous unclear announcement and the lack of careful consideration in setting the entry criteria. We will revise the entry criteria to include both those who purchased albums for the offline event through the Weverse Shop after the announcement and those with prior purchase history from the Weverse Shop.”

It said it would do its best to ensure that Jin’s intentions are well conveyed to the fans and to prepare the event meticulously.

The fan event, set to take place on June 13, the day after Jin’s discharge from the military, at Jamsil Sports Complex in Seoul, is composed of two parts.

The first part, Jin’s Greetings, features a “hug session” where Jin will hug 1,000 fans one by one. The second part will showcase various programs highlighting different aspects of Jin that fans are eager to see.

The latest dispute showcases the ongoing tension between commercial strategies and fan satisfaction in the entertainment industry, prompting a reevaluation of practices that prioritize sales over genuine fan engagement.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.



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