BTS ARMY accuses HYBE of sabotaging Jungkook’s solo career following playlist removal

BTS fans, known as ARMY, have taken to social media to voice their growing frustration over what they perceive as mistreatment of Jungkook by his agency, HYBE.

The controversy erupted after the removal of a playlist featuring Jungkook’s music on the Korean streaming platform Bugs. Fans had voted for the playlist’s creation, but it was unexpectedly blocked and taken down from YouTube shortly after its release. 

This sparked widespread outrage, with fans rallying behind hashtags such as "HYBE STOP SABOTAGING JUNGKOOK" and "HYBE STOP HARMING JUNGKOOK," which quickly garnered tens of thousands of posts in support of the BTS member.

Bugs issued a statement explaining that the playlist’s removal was due to a request from HYBE. The platform clarified, "The video in question was temporarily blocked by the agency, preventing it from being displayed. After discussions with the agency, the video has now been processed for normal viewing and is accessible without any issues." 

Despite the resolution, the incident reignited concerns among fans about HYBE’s treatment of Jungkook, particularly regarding his solo career. Many fans feel that, despite the commercial success of his debut solo album 'GOLDEN', the agency has consistently downplayed his individual achievements.

This latest controversy is not the first time HYBE has faced accusations of undermining Jungkook. Fans pointed to previous incidents, such as the reported cancellation of his planned performance at the 2024 NFL Super Bowl halftime show with Usher, allegedly due to his military enlistment. 

There are also ongoing complaints about the company’s lack of support for his solo projects over the years, despite Jungkook's prominence as one of BTS's most popular members and a significant revenue contributor.

In addition to these grievances, fans have accused HYBE of enabling smear campaigns and failing to take action against anti-fan groups, particularly on platforms like DC Gallery. Many fans have voiced concerns that the company is not only neglecting Jungkook but also protecting harmful groups and failing to address negativity directed at him.