Not Today! ARMY strikes back; stream BTS' 7-year-old song amidst chart manipulation, sajaegi accusations

Amidst the continuing conflict between HYBE and Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, fans from various fandoms have unintentionally turned their attention to worldwide sensation BTS. Not only has BTS improved South Korea's standing internationally, but it has also made a substantial economic contribution.

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With South Korea now launching an investigation into alleged chart manipulation and 'Sajaegi' accusations, BTS's formidable fanbase, known as ARMY, has taken action. Demonstrating the influence of both BTS and their supporters, ARMY initiated a trending campaign for the group's seven-year-old song 'Not Today,' released on February 13, 2017. The song's lyrics emphasize overcoming challenges and persisting in the face of adversity. 

ARMY also recalled how BTS leader RM said, "I wrote the lyrics for BTS so we do not stay silent against social issues and injustice and continue to solve it and raise the problem. We talk about social issues, read books meet with experts and ponder together. We still have a long way to go, but we will think hard and embrace criticism."

What is the chart manipulation accusation?

The return of controversy in the K-Pop business is centred around allegations of 'sajaegi marketing,' which refers to the illegal manipulation of music charts. Because of an old court case, allegations about chart manipulation strategies used by HYBE and other significant industry participants came to light. In response to public criticism, the South Korean government announced an investigation into the suspected chart-rigging activities stretching back to 2017, despite strong denials from devoted BTS fans.

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The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has attested to having received a petition requesting an examination of a HYBE-related incident. According to reports, HYBE paid the blackmailer in this episode after giving in to pressure using chart manipulation.

Observing BTS' rise since 2013, ARMY thinks these charges are meant to damage the group's image in the middle of the current legal dispute between HYBE and Ador CEO Min Hee-jin. They believe it's a ploy used by critics to push their groups to the top of the charts and remove competition.

Where is BTS?

Amid these developments, BTS members Kim Namjoon, Kim Seokjin, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung, and Jeon Jung-kook are serving their required terms in the armed forces. While Suga is carrying out his responsibilities as a social service agent following surgery, Jin and J-Hope are working as drill instructors at military training camps.

V has been assigned to the ROK II Corps, while RM is stationed at the 15th Infantry Division. Jimin and Jungkook are said to be members of the 5th Infantry Division in the meantime. 

By June 2025, the group hopes to be back together, with Jin and J-Hope expected to step down this year.