Recent events involving Zico and BTS have brought agency-related controversies to the forefront, sparking discussions on the separation of agency actions from artists’ activities.
Under HYBE’s subsidiary KOZ Entertainment, Zico’s collaboration track “SPOT!” featuring BLACKPINK’s Jennie gained traction, especially due to a new challenge associated with the song.
Despite the positive reception, criticism arose regarding challenges with artists under HYBE. Notably, the girl group NewJeans from ADOR, another point of conflict inside the agency, did not participate in the challenge. This discrepancy led to comments questioning the agency’s decisions rather than the artists’ intentions.
Similarly, BTS’s RM faced scrutiny over his upcoming solo comeback announcement coinciding with the release of NewJeans’ double single. Amidst negative sentiments towards HYBE, fans expressed concerns about potential competition arising unintentionally. Furthermore, longstanding allegations of chart manipulation and concerns over song lyrics surfaced, prompting demands for explanations from the agency.
In response to these issues, the fandom “ARMY” took collective action by placing a full-page advertisement condemning HYBE for allowing BTS to suffer from false news and rumours. They emphasized that artists should not bear the brunt of agency-related controversies and called for responsible actions from HYBE and Big Hit Music.
It’s essential to distinguish between agency actions and artists’ roles in the music industry. Artists like Zico and RM focus on their craft and rely on their agencies for scheduling and management. Allegations and controversies surrounding agencies should not overshadow the artists’ dedication to their music.
As the K-pop industry faces challenges, supporting artists’ music activities independently from agency-related suspicions is important. Artists deserve recognition for their talent and dedication, separate from the external issues affecting their agencies.
