"If it were not for the company, I would have said everything."
Jungkook, a member of the group BTS, expressed his frustrating feelings towards their agency, HYBE. This has brought back to light some of the poignant remarks made by former leader RM, causing a ripple effect.
On the 26th, Jungkook candidly mentioned his smoking habits during a Weverse live broadcast, stating, "I’m already thirty years old, so I don’t understand why I have to be cautious about saying this." He added, "The moment I say this, there will be chaos at the company again, but this is not something we agreed upon; I’m just speaking out of frustration."
During the broadcast, Jungkook revealed his struggles as an artist, saying, "I am a person too. I just want to enjoy myself, but reality doesn’t allow it." He expressed a desire to be honest with the ARMY, stating, "If I were someone making music alone, I would have communicated without worrying about my surroundings," indirectly expressing his disappointment with the agency's system.
Jungkook's unexpected remarks have raised concerns among fans, as they resonate with the messages RM previously conveyed to the agency. In a live broadcast last December, RM expressed his feelings of disappointment towards the agency, saying, "I hope the company embraces us a little more."
At that time, RM confessed that he had contemplated disbandment or a hiatus, emphasizing that the only reason for maintaining the team was because of the members and the fans. He particularly refrained from discussing the plans for activities in the second half of 2025, stating, "I don’t have the authority to speak on that," leading to speculation about internal conflicts.
Following the consecutive statements from the two members, voices criticizing HYBE's management style are rising within the fandom. However, some caution against overinterpreting the situation, as specific internal circumstances have not been confirmed.
Meanwhile, BTS will make a comeback on March 21 at 8 PM with their fifth studio album, 'Arirang (ARIRANG)', after completing their military service. They plan to hold a large free concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul to celebrate this, reuniting with their global fans in a warm atmosphere.
