'HYBE STOP SABOTAGING TAEHYUNG': BTS V fans, ARMY demand better treatment of artist amid Layover vinyl release
In addition to the shipping issues, fans criticized HYBE for their lack of promotional efforts for the vinyl release, raising concerns about Taehyung's treatment by the label.
Updated : September 21, 2024 09:03 AM ISTIn addition to the shipping issues, fans criticized HYBE for their lack of promotional efforts for the vinyl release, raising concerns about Taehyung's treatment by the label.
BTS V
One of the main reasons BTS has a huge fan following can be credited to Kim Taehyung, aka V—the second youngest member of the global phenomenon Bangtan Sonyeondan. From his amazing visuals and soothing voice to his charming quirks, the singer has captivated many, drawing numerous fans into the fandom.
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While he is certainly receiving the attention he deserves, it appears that his label, HYBE—which is already dealing with issues related to its conflict with former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin—may be "sabotaging" his solo album, intentionally or unintentionally. BTS' V's solo album LAYOVER vinyl was set to be released in South Korea through the HYBE label on Friday, September 20. Pre-orders for the vinyl edition began on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 11 AM KST.
As the release date approached, fans expressed frustration that their vinyl pre-orders had not yet been shipped. This delay sparked a wave of reactions online, with many fans taking to social media to voice their concerns. The hashtag "HYBE STOP SABOTAGING TAEHYUNG" quickly trended globally on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Numerous comments from V's fans and ARMY highlighted their dissatisfaction, particularly from those who had placed orders as well as those trying to do so. Many expressed annoyance over understocking and shipping delays, reminiscent of issues they faced during the initial launch of the LAYOVER album.
In addition to the shipping issues, fans criticized HYBE for their lack of promotional efforts for the vinyl release, raising concerns about Taehyung's treatment by the label. While it seems every member got the tweets needed about their album vinyl, there have been no such posts about Taehyung's vinyl.
posting about ays merch, photobook, teasers 10 times a day but not a single post about layover lp?! And then they say we promote music?
— ً (@littletkheart) September 20, 2024
.@BIGHIT_MUSIC @HYBEOFFICIALtwt @bts_bighit why our pre-orders of Layover Vinyls are not being shipped in Korea?
HYBE STOP SABOTAGING TAEHYUNG pic.twitter.com/dqZBdKyfxb
REPEAT AFTER ME:
— ⓥ🍆 (@Vholic_) September 20, 2024
HYBE STOP SABOTAGING TAEHYUNG pic.twitter.com/5JF4LcWzrO
Layover vinyls kept getting sold out on weverse and varying online shops multiple times and each time kths and Tae fbs had to tag for bighit and hybe to re-stock. Under-stocking and now delaying shipments just like Layover CDs I’m sick and tired!
— ⊹ (@taes_studio) September 20, 2024
HYBE STOP SABOTAGING TAEHYUNG pic.twitter.com/paWbdc6Ryj
Pre-orders of Layover Vinyls aren't being shipped in Korea. There is not a single post about Layover LP's release.
— Nataliya ◡̈ ᴵ♡ᵁ ᶦᵗ'ˢ ˢᵒ ᵉᵃˢʸ (@TataLovesArt2) September 20, 2024
We see what you do, we won't be silent. We respect the artist so should you.@BIGHIT_MUSIC @bts_bighit @HYBEOFFICIALtwt
HYBE STOP SABOTAGING TAEHYUNG
It feels like Layover era all over again. How do u call yourself a music company and NOT promote member releasing music.
— kasy (@koovarbie) September 20, 2024
멤버들이 음악을 발표하는 것을 지원하고 홍보하지 않는데 왜 자신을 MUSIC 회사라고 부르나요? 전문가답지 않게 행동하지 마세요
HYBE STOP SABOTAGING TAEHYUNG pic.twitter.com/dRZmxZOf9r
In fact, on August 21, 2024, V drew significant attention online as fans rallied behind the hashtag "ADD TAEHYUNG'S MUSIC," making it a global trend.
BIGHIT MUSIC (now HYBE Labels) faced backlash over a website banner on the BTS UK Shop that showcased album covers of all members’ solo projects—except for Taehyung's. The banner featured covers for Jimin's MUSE, Jungkook's GOLDEN, Jin's The Astronaut, Agust D's D-DAY, RM's Indigo, and J-Hope's HOPE ON THE STREET. Fans pointed out the absence of his solo album LAYOVER and his single "FRI(END)S," prompting them to direct their criticism at the HYBE label.
About LAYOVER:
Kim Taehyung's first solo album, LAYOVER, was released on September 8, 2023, featuring R&B and jazz tracks like "Love Me Again," "Rainy Days," "For Us," "Blue," and "Slow Dancing (Piano Ver.)." The tracklist for the vinyl edition remains unchanged.
According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) Global Music Report for 2023, LAYOVER was the tenth best-selling album worldwide, with 2.2 million units sold.
Where is V?
Taehyung is currently undergoing rigorous military training as part of the Special Task Force. V, along with fellow members Suga, RM, Jungkook, and Jimin, is set to complete his military service by June 2025. The eldest member, Kim Seokjin was already discharged in June 2024 and J-Hope is expected to be released by October.