Fans Express Discontent Over CEO Scooter Braun's Alleged Support for Israel

Courtesy of HYBE

Numerous K-pop boy band BTS fans are urging HYBE, the band's management company, to remove HYBE America CEO Scooter Braun. The fans accuse Braun of supporting Israel during its conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. In a recent development, fans deployed a truck to HYBE headquarters, displaying a message demanding HYBE's dissociation from Zionism and Zionists in the industry. 

▲ HYBE America CEO Scooter Braun / Courtesy of HYBE

The controversy stems from a video featuring Braun delivering a speech in Israel on December 24. In the video, Braun called for the release of hostages held by Palestine after an incident at the Nova music festival site in southern Israel, where over 360 people were reportedly killed by Hamas fighters, and at least 40 were taken hostage on October 7, 2023.

▲ HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk / Courtesy of HYBEBraun, an American, emphasized his personal connection to the cause, stating that his grandmother was a survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp operated by Nazi Germany during World War II. Despite calls from BTS fans for Braun's removal, HYBE has distanced itself from the controversy, stating that Braun's remarks are a personal statement separate from company management.

BTS fans argue that Braun's alleged support for Israel contradicts the diversity and inclusivity message conveyed by the band. HYBE, formed through a merger with American record label Ithaca Holdings in 2021, appointed Braun as the sole CEO of HYBE America in January 2023, further fueling fans' demands for his removal.

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Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com