ATEEZ’s Hongjoong Seemingly Calls Out HYBE And Bang Si Hyuk In Bold New Track
ATEEZ Hongjoong‘s recent lyrics have attracted attention online.
Not long ago, it was announced that Hongjoong and Odetari, a Palestinian-American rapper, would release a collaboration track. On January 15, “SMB (w/ Hongjoong of ATEEZ),” was released, much to the excitement of fans.
“SMB” is performed in a mix of English and Korean, and has lyrics that express a lack of care in what others think. Hongjoong’s lyrics in Korean deliver a similar message, but many believe they specifically referenced HYBE‘s internal documents scandal.
In late 2024, documents from HYBE were leaked online, revealing thoughts on idols under the label and not.
The lyrics in Hongjoon’s verse seem to reference this and are believed to call out HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk, who is also known as “Hitman” Bang. The lyrics demand that the subject “act” their age and watch their own back, rather than pay attention and hate on others.
Should I be mad?
This is no fun at all
Act your age, you lazy bum.
Just nod-nod, clap-clap.
Why are you mad?
Think you’re something, hitman?
If you’ve got time to watch others,
better watch your own back.
Du-du-du, bang.
Jealousy and envy rule your life.
Blinded, you talk trash while name-dropping.
A lifetime of playing mind games,
avoiding work, then throwing tantrums late in the game.
Oh, it’s hot—how’s this?
I’m fanning the flames until there’s no trace of your house left.
Subpar, outdated grump.
I know it’s unfair.— Hongjoong in “SMB”
Fans have taken the lyrics to be a call out, and reacted in a variety of ways, including mentioning the criticism HYBE has faced for its association with Zionism.
"what do you know, HITMAN"
"du-du-du, BANG"THAT'S MY GOAT GET HIS ASS HJ pic.twitter.com/J7wVzK6rLJ
— butters 🦋 (@dreamingslight) January 15, 2025
dragged a power hungry zionist company on a collab with a palestinian artist pic.twitter.com/RNpZvFQYPQ https://t.co/JwO4tV7vwF
— ʚ♡ɞ (@sinbadism) January 15, 2025
Okay but calling him out on a collab with a Palestinian artist is so iconic https://t.co/cj2AlFeezC
— Dee Dee (@strxwberrydee) January 15, 2025
