KOCCA launches investigation into HYBE's alleged BTS chart manipulation

The Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, has initiated an investigation into the alleged chart manipulation involving BTS's music.

KOCCA's Fair Coexistence Center for Music, which handles reports of chart manipulation, has confirmed on May 21 KST that they are conducting an investigation regarding the complaints related to BTS.

Previously, complaints regarding chart manipulation involving BTS were filed with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which then transferred them to KOCCA. KOCCA plans to investigate the matter by requesting a response from HYBE regarding these complaints.

In the event of an investigation into chart manipulation by KOCCA's Fair Coexistence Center for Music, they have the authority to request data from music service providers and submit reports to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism after review by the advisory panel. They may also request cooperation from the judiciary or investigative agencies as needed. It is anticipated that the complaints related to BTS will undergo this procedural process.

An industry insider, who has previously reported cases of chart manipulation, commented, "The term 'music chart manipulation' itself is misleading. Whether it's physical albums or digital music, this is clearly 'music chart manipulation.' Whether KOCCA and its subordinate agencies will conduct a proper investigation into music chart manipulation remains questionable, given their close ties with music streaming platforms."

Furthermore, HYBE has vehemently denied allegations of music chart manipulation involving BTS. Their subsidiary, Big Hit Music, stated, "Allegations of chart manipulation, marketing manipulation, concept plagiarism, connections to a cult, and other such claims that tarnish BTS's reputation are false. We have repeatedly clarified that there is no such activity," hinting at legal action.

Moreover, HYBE has also refuted allegations raised by Min Hee Jin, the CEO of HYBE's subsidiary, regarding "album stockpiling." HYBE stated, "We do not engage in so-called 'album stockpiling.' We have repeatedly explained that there is no stockpiling, and in reality, HYBE does not engage in 'stockpiling' for the sake of first-week sales competition."