BTS fans, known as ARMY, are demanding the removal of Scooter Braun, CEO of Hybe-America, accusing him of supporting Israel in the ongoing conflict with Gaza.
The movement gained momentum as fans sent a truck to Hybe’s Seoul headquarters, urging the company to distance itself from “Zionism and Zionists in the industry.”
The truck displayed demands alongside clips of devastation in Gaza, with one video showing BTS merchandise amidst the rubble, emphasizing the human cost of the conflict.
In a letter-writing campaign, fans accused Braun of making statements or posts on social media legitimizing Israel’s actions in Gaza, citing his participation in a rally in Tel Aviv last December.
Btw i think this is the last day the truck will be parked at hybe SO YALL NEED TO TREND #하이브시오니스트를제거하다 #HYBEDivestFromZionism AND SPAM KMEDIAAAAAAAAA pic.twitter.com/UgVnbyIPXO
— Miriam FESTA⁷🎬 (⟭⟬ face🪞 ✨💜) (@hobiriam) February 24, 2024
Hybe previously distanced itself from Braun’s comments, labeling them as personal statements separate from company management.
Despite the controversy, Hybe has not issued further statements regarding the situation.
K-pop fans have been active in pro-Palestine activism since the conflict began, utilizing social media platforms, petitions, and hashtags to amplify their message.
BDS Korea, also known as Palestine Peace & Solidarity in South Korea (PPS), has supported the campaign against Braun and Hybe.
REMEMBER WE ARE STILL BOYCOTTING AND STRIKING I DONT CARE IF YOUR FAVES ARE ACTIVE RIGHT NOW CHILDREN ARE BEING SLAUGHTERED #FreePalesitne #StrikeForPalestine #StrikeAgainstThe4 pic.twitter.com/cP5TBGEzOr
— ▪︎MaxDaTanuki▪︎🍮🦊🐣 (@MakTanuki) January 27, 2024
Boycotts have extended to other major K-pop agencies, with hashtags like #StrikeAgainstThe4 targeting YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, SM Entertainment, and HYBE.
Fans have also criticized other individuals associated with BTS, such as record producers Benny Blanco and Omer Fedi, for their ties to Israel.
BTS, as the world’s most influential K-pop group, holds significant cultural and economic influence, with Hybe reporting record sales in 2023.
The controversy underscores the growing intersection of pop culture, activism, and global politics, as fans use their platforms to advocate for social justice causes.
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