Tak Hyun-min on BTS 700 Million Won Unpaid Controversy: "The National Assembly Can Change the Law"

Tak Hyun-min on BTS UN Performance Payment Controversy: "HYBE Should Request the Payment"

Tak Hyun-min, Protocol Secretary at the Blue House.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Tak Hyunmin, Protocol Secretary at the Blue House, stated regarding the controversy over the unpaid 700 million KRW activity fee for the group BTS, who visited the United Nations (UN) as "Future Culture Presidential Special Envoys," that "the National Assembly just needs to amend the related laws."

On the 15th, Tak posted on his Facebook, saying, "BTS and their agency have no complaints," and added, "It is natural for the government to follow procedures and processes. The 'payment decision' is essentially the same as the actual payment, according to both the agency and the government."

Previously, Tak explained that the government's administrative procedure of 'payment decision' regarding BTS's event fees had already been completed, and payment would be made once BTS's agency, HYBE, requests the deposit.

He emphasized, "Even the party receiving the payment says there is no problem with this procedure, so if people keep asking why? why?, the solution is simple," and continued, "In the future, the National Assembly should amend the relevant laws and regulations so that the state's expense processing can skip verification and claim procedures and directly deposit the funds like a bank transfer between individuals."

He added, "If sufficient budget is allocated to provide not just the embarrassing minimum reimbursement but fair compensation to those who have devoted themselves to national affairs, and procedures are eliminated to expedite execution, people like me won't have to struggle to maximize limited budgets," and said, "Then, whether the budget is spent a lot, a little, or not at all, there will be no hassle, and artists will receive adequate compensation for their dedication."

Furthermore, he pointed out, "If that is not the case, then just be thankful for the dedication and efforts of artists like BTS, and acknowledge the hard work of public officials doing their best within limited scopes."

Group BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) is listening to President Moon Jae-in's speech at the opening ceremony of the 2nd SDG Moment (Sustainable Development Goals High-Level Meeting) held on the 20th of last month (local time) at the United Nations Headquarters General Assembly Hall in New York.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, on the 14th, Kim Seungsoo, a member of the People Power Party, asked Park Jeongryeol, head of the Overseas Culture and Publicity Agency, during the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee’s audit, "Has the payment related to BTS's UN schedule been made?" Park replied, "It has not been made yet," sparking controversy.

In response, Rep. Kim said, "On the 30th of last month, a Blue House official said the payment had been made, and Secretary Tak also appeared on SNS and a broadcast on the 1st, stating the payment was already completed," and questioned, "Did the Blue House and Secretary Tak lie to the entire nation knowingly, or was there a false report that the payment was made?" Park avoided a direct answer, saying, "That is something we are not well aware of."

Regarding this, Secretary Tak emphasized on his Facebook the same day, "I don't know if I need to explain this, but since the issue keeps being raised, I will personally confirm and inform you," and stressed, "The payment decision is currently complete."

He explained, "The related contract was completed before the BTS event started, and after the event ended, the government's administrative procedure of 'payment decision' was already completed. However, the report prepared by HYBE was submitted on October 13," and added, "According to government procedures, payment is made only upon HYBE's deposit request, and once HYBE requests the deposit, payment will be made within three days."

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