On February 5, 2026, BigHit Music officially announced the release of the BTS Official Light Stick Special Edition: Version 4 (often referred to by fans as the “ARMY Bomb Ver. 4”).
While the announcement of a new lightstick typically generates excitement, it has instead triggered a massive backlash from the global ARMY fandom.
The primary point of contention is not the design itself, but the sudden decision to discontinue wireless control support for older versions at upcoming concerts.
Compatibility Issues Spark Outrage
According to the official notice, starting with the group’s highly anticipated “ARIRANG” world tour concerts in June 2026, older models—specifically the Map of the Soul Special Edition (MOTS SE) and Version 3—will no longer be compatible with the central wireless control system.
This means that fans who own these older versions will not be able to participate in the synchronized light shows that have become a hallmark of the BTS concert experience.
Also Read: BTS Set for Grand Return: Super Bowl Director Hamish Hamilton to Helm “ARIRANG” Comeback Concert
Fans have taken to social media and community platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) to express their frustration, with many citing the following reasons for their anger:
- Financial Burden: Many fans recently purchased the MOTS SE lightstick during the group’s hiatus, only to find it “obsolete” for the new tour. With prices for the new version expected to exceed $60–$70 USD, many feel “forced” to buy a new device after already spending heavily on concert tickets.
- Timing: The rollout has been criticized for being “too close” to the tour dates, giving fans little time to save up or secure the new hardware before shipping deadlines.
- Sustainability Concerns: Critics have pointed out the environmental impact of making thousands of perfectly functional electronic devices “useless” for their primary purpose, labeling the move as unnecessary electronic waste.
New Features of Version 4
Despite the controversy, the new Version 4 lightstick introduces several technical upgrades designed to justify its release:
- Rechargeable Battery: Moving away from AAA batteries, the new version features a dedicated charging cradle and an internal rechargeable battery.
- Enhanced Lighting Effects: The new model supports a wider range of color gradients and strobe effects that are reportedly incompatible with the hardware of older versions.
- Customization: Similar to other recent HYBE group lightsticks (like SEVENTEEN’s), the Ver. 4 features a more customizable internal dome, allowing fans to personalize the look of their “bomb.”
HYBE’s “Scarcity” Strategy
Industry analysts have linked this move to HYBE’s recently announced “Hybe 2.0” business model, which focuses on a “new experience model based on scarcity.”
Also Read: Streaming Supremacy: BTS Achieves New Platinum and Gold Certifications in Japan
While the company claims these upgrades are necessary to provide a cutting-edge fan experience, a large segment of the fandom views it as a “calculated milking of fans” following the group’s three-year hiatus.
As of February 5, the “Boycott Ver. 4” hashtag has begun trending in several regions, with fans calling on BigHit Music to release a firmware update that would allow older lightsticks to remain compatible with basic light-sync functions, even if they cannot support the most advanced new effects.
Neither BigHit Music nor HYBE has yet issued a follow-up statement regarding the backlash.
