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| K-pop act BTS / Capture from BTS' Twitter |
By Dong Sun-hwa
Some fans of K-pop juggernaut BTS are boycotting the group's upcoming anthology album "Proof," as it includes a song written by Bobby Chung, who is suspected of sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend and filming an illegal sex video of her.
Chung, whose real name is Chung Dae-wook, is one of the composers behind "Filter," a Latin-style solo track by BTS member Jimin that dropped in 2020. The singer-songwriter, who also is credited on other BTS songs such as "Love Maze" (2018), is currently on trial after his ex-girlfriend, surnamed Song, filed a complaint against him for sexually assaulting her and filming an illegal sex video.
Song is known to have taken her own life in 2020 after making the accusation.
Regarding this situation, quite a few fans are pointing out that it is not appropriate to include "Filter" on BTS' upcoming release, which will hit shelves on June 10. Since BTS has been relaying anti-violence and anti-discrimination messages for many years through its music and content, a lot of followers believe the septet should remove "Filter" so as to show its sincerity. They say that BTS' reputation could be severely tarnished if the group and its management company, Big Hit Music, do not exclude it from "Proof."
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| Singer-songwriter Bobby Chung / Yonhap |
However, Big Hit Music, which said previously that the BTS members decided which tracks to place on "Proof," told local media outlets that it has no comment about the ongoing issue. This remark added more fuel to the fire, drawing the ire of many fans as well as other internet users. They are now slamming the company for acting irresponsibly.
"Silence can be interpreted as a tacit approval," reads a comment on Twitter. "I hope 'Filter' will not be included on the set list of any BTS concert."
Another wrote, "I will not spend any money on the upcoming album, because I do not want to help the man, who drove a woman to her death and then hire legal representatives to defend himself."
"I will be so disappointed if BTS and Big Hit Music continue to stay quiet," another fan commented. "They should know how influential they are."
"Proof" is a three-CD album celebrating the ninth anniversary of BTS' debut. BTS, which debuted on June 13, 2013, with the track, "No More Dream," is aiming to chronicle its career through the album. It will offer three new tunes in addition to the band's previous releases. "Proof" is BTS' first official release since "Butter" (2021).
