BTS on 'Billboard Manipulation Allegations': "It's Unfair to Criticize Just Because K-pop Has a Large Fandom"

Group Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS).

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] The group BTS recently refuted allegations of Billboard chart manipulation, calling them "unfounded."

According to an interview with BTS released by Billboard on the 26th (local time), leader RM responded to the question, "Fans of Olivia Rodrigo and Dua Lipa have suggested that BTS's songs topping the charts might be manipulated," by saying, "I think it's possible to raise such doubts," but added, "If there is discussion within Billboard about what should be number one, changing the rules to place more emphasis on streaming is up to Billboard."

RM continued, "I don't know if it's right to criticize us and our fans just because we achieved number one through song sales and downloads," adding, "It seems we are an easy target for attacks because we are a boy band and K-pop artists have highly loyal fans."

Shin Young-jae, CEO of BTS's agency Big Hit Music, also responded to the question, "Are fans being mobilized to manipulate the charts?" by saying, "If we actually had the ability to control such things, how great would that be?" He added, "I understand that the development of the music market related to BTS makes some people scratch their heads, but I don't think the U.S. market allows an easy number one just through downloads. The influence of the songs has appeared in many ways, and we are proud of this achievement."

Recently, some in the U.S. pop music industry have expressed dissatisfaction that BTS topped the charts despite having fewer streams and radio plays than other pop artists. There are claims that BTS's fan club, ARMY, used loopholes such as bulk purchasing of singles.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.