KTown4u accuses Hanteo of disregarding sales data amidst dispute over sensitive customer information

KTown4u alleges that Hanteo Global excluded its sales data after refusing to provide sensitive customer information.

KTown4u, a leading online K-pop retailer, has accused Hanteo Global of ignoring its sales data after the retailer refused to provide sensitive customer information. 

On August 28, 2024, KTown4u submitted its usual sales data, including product barcodes and quantities, to Hanteo Global, which manages the influential Hanteo Chart. 

[NOTICE] Ktown4u is Committed to Protecting Our Customers' Personal Information at All Times. pic.twitter.com/GcVdSkVF2i

— Ktown4u_com (@Ktown4u_com) September 2, 2024

However, Hanteo Global did not incorporate this data into the chart and, when questioned, demanded additional personal details about customers, such as gender, age, addresses, and order information. 

KTown4u rejected this request, citing violations of data protection laws and international norms, and announced plans to pursue legal action against Hanteo Global for what it deems an unlawful demand.

this is like if target reported how many album copies t*ylor sw*ft sold to billboard but billboard says “these will only count if you tell us everything about the person who bought it so we can sell their information for money”

— kay ◡̎ (@sakuminjeong) September 2, 2024

Hanteo Global defended its actions by claiming concerns over potential "data contamination," including duplicate sales or intentional inflation within KTown4u's data. 

The company asserted that the requested information was essential for verifying the accuracy of the sales data. This dispute has rekindled concerns in the K-pop industry, particularly given Hanteo’s past controversies. 

In 2018, Hanteo Global admitted to manipulating sales data for the K-pop group EXO, apologizing for inaccurately reflecting the group’s Chinese album sales. 

The way EXO is always getting sabotaged left and right... and this is literally hanteo's second time pic.twitter.com/o368NW0G3j

— 큥베리 | Grace 💫 (@Ace_BBH) September 2, 2024

The ongoing conflict between KTown4u and Hanteo Global underscores the delicate balance between ensuring chart accuracy and protecting customer privacy, a topic of increasing importance among fans and artists.