BigHit Entertainment Under Fire For BTS’ Collaboration With Yasushi Akimoto
It was recently announced that BTS would be collaborating with AKB48‘s producer, Yasushi Akimoto, on their new Japanese single. The producer is known to have written the lyrics for “Bird”, the new title track of their upcoming album.
BTS To Collaborate With AKB48’s Producer For New Japanese Single
Although many were excited about the new Japanese single, some fans expressed concerns about the collaboration. They claimed that the producer is an active supporter of the Japanese Prime Minister’s right-wing policies and groups that take pride in Japan’s imperial era – an extremely sensitive topic for Koreans. As a result, K-ARMYs have created a request to stop the collaboration, explaining their reasoning in detail.
I-Army’s read to be informed and let K-Army’s deal with it pic.twitter.com/OD5EoLU7Ir
— ⅂⅄ (@cypher_bangtan1) September 14, 2018
Some fans have also pointed out that the producer is known for his misogynic lyrics.
And this is that japanese producer’s lyrics.
His misogynic lyrics saying: pic.twitter.com/qRZu8qTUl4
— 나는리그램 (@nckrgrm) September 13, 2018
ARMYs are worried that this collaboration may cause the general public to affiliate BTS with Yasushi Akimoto’s controversial lyrics, as well as think that BTS supports Japan’s imperialistic ideas.
BTS’ name has already been linked the term “right-wing” on some Korean search engines, causing fans to become even angrier at BigHit Entertainment, who has yet to release any statement in response.
Korean ARMYs have been doing their best to get BigHit Entertainment’s attention and stop this collaboration. They’ve been demanding a response from the agency.
여지껏 못해온게 아닌데. 이렇게까지 해서라도 일본활동을 집착하시는 이유가… 어쨋든 회사사정이란건 알겠지만. 팬들 반응으로 피드백은 빨리 이뤄졌음 좋겠네요.. 열심히 해외투어 중에 역사써내려가고 있는 와중에. 멤버들도 속상하고 허무할것 같아요
— 방탄소년단 (@save_0613) September 14, 2018
“They’ve been doing well so far. Why must you go this far for Japanese promotions…I understand it’s the company’s business but I hope a statement responding to fans’ reactions will be released soon… While they’re diligently making history on their world tour, I think the members will also feel distressed.” — @save_0613
피드백 없길래 다들 단체로 휴가라도 간 줄 알았는데 일하네요? 그럼 피드백 준비중이라고 사태 인지하고 있다고 얘기라도 해줘야하는 거 아닌가요 그런 것도 제대로 못하면서 세계 음악시장 주인을 만들겠다고ㅋㅋㅋ 어이가 없네 ㅋㅋㅋ
— 냉탕💦 (@coldtang) September 14, 2018
“I thought all of you were on vacation or something because there was no feedback but I guess you are there? Shouldn’t you at least tell us that you’ve heard our cries and are preparing a response? You can’t even do that properly and now you want to create a leader of the global music market?ㅋㅋㅋ Ridiculous ㅋㅋㅋ” — @coldtang
Amidst the fans’ frustrations, BigHit Entertainment posted an announcement for their global auditions.
Fans are furious, claiming that the agency is ignoring their demands by posting an announcement for global auditions without any regard to their concerns.
와… 이건 진짜 아니지 않나요!!!???? 팬들의 소리는 다 무시하고 오디션 트윗이라니! 헛웃음만 나오네요!!! 아티스트의 날개를 꺾지 마세요.
제발 우익 여성혐오 작사가와 협업은 중단하세요 #역사를잊은민족에게미래는없다 https://t.co/C0D8i3zImz— 내게와지민💜 (@naegewajimin) September 14, 2018
“Wow…isn’t this too much!!!??? Completely ignoring the fans opinions and tweeting about an audition! I’m at a loss for words!!! Please don’t clip the wings of your artists. Please stop the collaboration with the right-wing, misogynic producer.” — @naegewajimin
피드백은요? 빅히트 글로벌 오디션보다 빅히트 공식입장 표명하는게 더 중요한 시점이란걸 인지를 못하시나요?
— 전쿠키 (@lJUNGKOOKU) September 14, 2018
“What about the feedback? Can’t you understand that releasing an official statement is more important right now that Big Hit global auditions?” — @IJUNGKOOKU
신인 중요하면 방탄은 버리는거야?
— 빅히트 정신차려 S L혜윰이OW (@bts_heum) September 13, 2018
“Are you abandoning BTS for some rookies?” — @bts_heum
