HYBE in hot water over statement on Jungkook’s Super Bowl appearance
HYBE is facing backlash from BTS ARMY after their five-word statement regarding Jungkook’s absence from the 2024 Super Bowl.
According to Koreaboo, on October 9, the entertainment company managing BTS and Jungkook responded to criticism about their handling of the global star’s career with a terse comment to Ilgan Sports.
“We have nothing to say,” this only intensified fans’ frustration rather than alleviating it.
Upon hearing this response, the BTS fandom quickly expressed outrage, criticising the label for its lack of communication.
“Just quit the entertainment business, seriously,” one fan wrote.
“If Jungkook had declined, they would have used him for media coverage. Instead, HYBE failed to inform him,” another added.
Fans from other fandoms also joined in to highlight the issue.
“Even though I’m not a fan, it’s such a shame. The Super Bowl doesn’t just invite artists based on their Billboard or Grammy status; timing is crucial. If Jungkook’s solo career had aligned, the synergy could have been massive,” one commented.
“Didn’t they claim to have a hundred staff dedicated to BTS? If that many people messed up, I’d be furious. I’m from another fandom, but HYBE really screwed up on this one,” another remarked.
For the unversed, in late 2023, Jungkook dropped a collaboration of his song Standing Next to You with Usher.
Reports suggested they would perform together at the Super Bowl Halftime Show; however, Jungkook, 30, could not attend due to his military service.
Fans’ outrage has primarily focused on HYBE’s mismanaging the global star, further escalating with their rough response.
