In the K-pop world, one of the hottest topics of discussion is ATEEZ member Hongjoong and his single collaboration, "SMB," with American rapper Odetari. Upon the song's release, speculations arose that the ATEEZ member was directing disses toward Bang Si Hyuk with phrases like "You think you've made it, hitman" and "Watch your back / Du-du-du, Bang."
When KQ Entertainment was asked about the matter, they told media outlet TV Report on January 15 KST, "We have no comments to offer".?
Meanwhile, an ATEEZ fan posted a lengthy thread alleging that HYBE tried to merge with KQ Entertainment but failed. The fan also claimed that HYBE attempted to buy up all of ATEEZ's resources, but the boy group remained loyal to their company. These claims left HYBE group fans, especially BTS ARMY, questioning the lack of evidence behind these statements.?
According to the thread posted by user daebakdreamer (@JamieChloe270) on X (formerly known as Twitter), they alleged that fans were aware HYBE had "blacklisted" ATEEZ in South Korea, preventing the group from gaining domestic recognition. "Them not being invited to popular variety/award shows while their recognition is skyrocketing in the West," read one part of the post.?
They further added, "And there are a few instances where members indirectly pointed out or hinted that having things their way is not in their hands. If you know how South Korean companies work, especially after this sh!t company got exposed for so much jealousy & monitoring, this is no lie."?
While ARMY has previously stated that they don't particularly care about Bang Si Hyuk, they strongly objected to claims tarnishing HYBE's reputation, as they believe this indirectly damages BTS' name¡ªthe group that built the company from scratch with their "blood, sweat, and tears."
When asked for evidence, the poster provided no response. However, with HYBE and its groups facing increasing hate in recent months, this post quickly gained traction online.?
Soon the BTS fandom themselves searched for any news regarding HYBE attempting to merge with KQ Entertainment but found nothing, leaving only a few scattered comments online.?
Soon, ARMY began mocking and trolling the ATEEZ fandom, ATINY, for their bizarre claims, joking that HYBE was also responsible for One Direction splitting and even the disbanding of the Avengers.?
One read, "Hybe is to blame for the Avengers splitting up"?
Another read, "and if i say hybe is the reason one direction disbanded?"??
Meanwhile, it is speculated that the controversial "Weekly Music Industry Reports," created by HYBE Labels and leaked to the public last year, did not include any references to ATEEZ.?
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