ARMYs, brace yourselves! The K-pop world is buzzing with the latest controversy surrounding BTS and allegations of chart manipulation.

On April 29, the internet was set ablaze when court records surfaced, revealing accusations against BTS’s label, HYBE (previously known as Big Hit Music).

The label is under fire for allegedly using shady marketing tactics, a fact that came to light during legal proceedings.

Rewind to 2017, a certain Mr. A was slapped with a one-year prison sentence for extortion. He had threatened to spill the beans to the media about BTS’s supposed involvement in these illegal marketing activities.

HYBE has been on the defensive, denying any and all accusations of chart manipulation. However, the court has thrown a curveball, presenting evidence that contradicts HYBE’s claims.

Court documents suggest that the information Mr. A threatened to leak was tied to illicit marketing strategies masterminded by HYBE.

The plot thickens as it’s revealed that Mr. A posed as a third-party hacker who allegedly infiltrated emails to gather damning marketing data, which he then used as leverage.

Korean netizens are all over this, flooding online communities with their reactions. Comments range from “This is so embarrassing. I wish HYBE gets investigated,” and “This is so crazy,” to “I really hope BTS members didn’t know about this Sajaegi,” and “This feels like all of Korea was scammed by HYBE.”

The consensus? The truth will out.

Source[1]

Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

Source: [1]