Courtesy of Big Hit Entertainment
Members of BTS, under the entertainment company Hybe, are taking steps that may aid the company during its ongoing dispute with a subsidiary. Jungkook, the youngest member of the band, plans to release a new song on June 7, while the group's eldest member, Jin, will hold a fan meeting on June 12, the day after his military discharge.
Big Hit Entertainment, a subsidiary of Hybe and the label representing BTS, announced Monday that Jungkook will release a digital single titled "Never Let Go" on Hybe's global fandom platform Weverse, as well as on the band’s official social media accounts. The song, part of the 2024 Festa celebrating BTS's debut anniversary, expresses Jungkook's gratitude to the group's fanbase, known as Army.
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| ▲ Jungkook / Courtesy of Big Hit Entertainment |
Jin, who will be discharged from military service on June 11, is set to participate in the annual Festa event, meeting with 1,000 fans in Seoul. He also plans to release a solo album soon. Other BTS members are currently serving in the military, with J-Hope scheduled for discharge in October.
Music critic Lim Hee-yun suggested that BTS's return could shift public sentiment in favor of Hybe, which is engaged in a conflict with Min Hee-jin, CEO of its sublabel Ador. Lim stated, "The return of BTS members will be a big support for Hybe in the ongoing dispute. BTS is a super IP that led Hybe’s successful business before NewJeans. The news of new releases and military discharges from BTS members can change public sentiment in favor of Hybe."
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| ▲ Promotional poster of K-Festa / Courtesy of Hybe |
Lim also noted that these activities might help Hybe reinforce its control over its seven music subsidiaries, which have been affected by the dispute with Ador. "I am sure Hybe has calculated all these factors and planned accordingly," Lim added.
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