In the wake of a viral comment regarding HYBE's alleged lack of care for BTS, RM, the leader of the global sensation group, has shared a cryptic post, igniting further discussion among fans and industry observers. The initial controversy stemmed from a recent Weverse live broadcast featuring all seven members of BTS, where RM candidly expressed his disappointment with their agency, HYBE Corporation.
During the live stream, intended to celebrate the festive season and reassure fans (known as ARMY) about BTS's future, RM remarked, "I wish our company had some affection for us". This statement, seemingly out of character for the usually composed leader, immediately shifted the tone of the conversation and sparked intense debate online. While some members reacted with surprise or humor, Jin, defended the company. RM, however, stood his ground, stating, "I don't usually say things like this, right? I just don't know. I wish they would look after us and treat us with more care".
Adding fuel to the fire, RM had previously voiced his impatience on December 16 regarding delays in announcing BTS's comeback schedule, stating, "I'm going crazy wanting to comeback". These comments, coupled with the recent expression of wanting more care, have led many to speculate about potential internal conflicts and the group's relationship with their management.
Following the widespread attention garnered by his comments, RM posted a cryptic message that has been interpreted by many as a form of self-blame. While the exact content of the post remains vague, sources indicate that it alluded to the potential burden his words may have placed on others, both within the group and the company. This has led to a mixed reaction, with some fans expressing concern for RM's well-being and others criticizing him for airing internal grievances publicly.
The controversy has deeply divided opinions, particularly among Korean netizens. Many Korean netizens criticized RM for bringing internal company dissatisfaction into a fan space, with many defending HYBE's role in BTS's success. Some have accused him of entitlement and questioned why he didn't address his concerns privately with the company. International fans, on the other hand, have largely supported RM, pointing to past concerns about HYBE's management decisions, inconsistent promotions, and perceived lack of emotional support for the group.
Adding another layer to the situation, Elly Chae, a former director at BigHit Music, weighed in on the matter, suggesting that RM's candidness indicates potentially serious underlying issues within the company. She speculated that disagreements over enlistment strategies and post-discharge plans might be contributing to the tension.
The situation unfolds as BTS prepares for a highly anticipated full-group comeback, reportedly set for March 2026. This controversy raises questions about artist-company relationships, power dynamics within the K-pop industry, and the extent to which idols are allowed to express their honest feelings. It also highlights the delicate balance between loyalty, autonomy, gratitude, and the right to voice concerns within the entertainment world. Whether RM's comments were justified or not, they have undoubtedly sparked a crucial conversation about the complexities of the K-pop industry and the pressures faced by its artists.
