BTS’s RM Slammed By Korean Netizens After Criticizing HYBE

While fans were delighted to see BTS go live as a full group today, RM’s “criticism” of BIGHIT Music during the broadcast has sparked major backlash from Korean netizens.

On December 21, the BTS members treated fans to an “OT7” live broadcast on Weverse. The members chatted about various topics over 45 minutes, from recording songs to end-of-year plans, but one remark in particular has sparked fierce reactions.

While talking about their activities and time together, RM stated, “I wish our company would show us more care,” prompting some of the members to laugh and question why. “I don’t usually say things like this,” the leader said, adding, “I wish they would hold us a bit more closely.”

The clip spread rapidly among Korean netizens, going mega-viral on community site theqoo, where users were overwhelmingly critical of RM’s words. Many netizens questioned why he chose to bring fans into the matter by addressing it on a live broadcast, while others backed up BIGHIT Music and HYBE’s actions over the years.

• “So what are we supposed to do? Seriously LOL. This is disrespectful to fans.”
• “Don’t re-sign next time, just leave together.”
• “How far is the company supposed to “hold them”? They even stuck by drunk driving, couldn’t stop full-body tattoos, so how much more are they supposed to do?”
• “Why do they drag this out every single live broadcast? Honestly, ugh.”
• “Aren’t they a group the company completely made? LOL”
• “Then just leave the company. Seriously, they’re unique.”
• “If you’re going to open something like this to fans, at least clearly say what you’re dissatisfied with. What are we supposed to do?”
• “But BTS was seriously boosted like crazy by HYBE’s viral marketing. They should be grateful. Chart manipulation, publicity, they benefited from their agency more than anyone.”
• “I hate HYBE, but wasn’t that same HYBE the one that shielded them completely and promoted them hard…????”

On the flip side, international fans responded with far more sympathy toward BTS, pointing out what they see as persistent mishandling of the members’ careers.

Many global ARMYs also feel that the agency is failing to adequately promote the group’s upcoming activities. According to reports, BTS is slated to make a long-awaited full-group comeback in March 2026.