Amid backlash over album purchase requirements, BigHit Music revises rules to address fan concerns

Courtesy of BigHit Music

HYBE, the parent company of BigHit Music, announced changes to the entry criteria for its fan event featuring BTS member Jin amid growing criticism of inventory dumping tactics. The controversy centered on the initial entry requirements for the 2024 FESTA event.

BigHit Music initially stated that entry to the offline event would be limited to members of ARMY, BTS's official fan club, who purchased BTS's "Proof" album or any subsequent solo albums by BTS members through the Weverse Shop between 11 a.m. on Sunday and 11:59 p.m. on Thursday. This method, which increased chances of winning based on the number of albums purchased, faced backlash for resembling coerced bulk buying practices. Many fans, who had already bought these albums, criticized the approach as ethically questionable and unfair.
 

▲ Jin / Courtesy of BigHit MusicFans expressed their dissatisfaction, questioning why they were being encouraged to buy albums they already owned. The practice was seen as a tactic to inflate sales figures. BigHit Music explained that the event was organized at Jin's suggestion to spend meaningful time with fans, but this did little to alleviate the discontent. Fans noted that Jin's solo release, "The Astronaut," was his only album before his military service, making the criteria even more restrictive.

In response to the criticism, BigHit Music issued an apology: "We apologize for the previous unclear announcement and the lack of careful consideration in setting the entry criteria. We will revise the entry criteria to include both those who purchased albums for the offline event through the Weverse Shop after the announcement and those with prior purchase history from the Weverse Shop." The agency committed to ensuring that Jin's intentions were well conveyed and to meticulously preparing the event.

The fan event, scheduled for June 13 at Jamsil Sports Complex in Seoul, will occur the day after Jin's discharge from the military. It will feature two parts: "Jin's Greetings," which includes a "hug session" where Jin will hug 1,000 fans individually, and a second part showcasing various programs highlighting different aspects of Jin.

This dispute underscores the ongoing tension between commercial strategies and fan satisfaction in the entertainment industry, prompting a reevaluation of practices that prioritize sales over genuine fan engagement.

Sayart 

Kelly.K, pittou8181@gmail.com