A report published in Kookmin Ilbo (국민일보 / Kookmin Ilbo) sparked angry reactions from BTS fans (ARMY), as the article covering developments in the investigation of HYBE founder and chairman Bang Si-hyuk revealed that the highly anticipated comeback of BTS might be delayed until July.
Earlier, Big Hit Music (a subsidiary of HYBE responsible for managing BTS) announced that after all members completed their military service, the full-group comeback would take place in March 2026, followed by a massive world tour expected to include 65 shows, with over 30 in North America.
However, the controversial article shocked BTS fans who have been eagerly waiting for the comeback, stating that it might be postponed until July 2026, adding:
“There are serious concerns about the prolonged investigation, as BTS is scheduled to resume full-group activities soon. After all BTS members are discharged from the military, direct collaboration with multinational producers and recording studios in the U.S., Japan, and South America will be essential. However, if Chairman Bang and key executives remain in Korea for an extended period, adjusting the timing of global projects will inevitably be necessary.”
The article, citing entertainment industry sources, added:
“BTS is a team that works very closely and intensively on what is called ‘global pre-negotiations,’ which include comeback timing, tour routes, and musical direction. There are many limits to what can be done remotely without direct coordination from management, so the current delay in the investigation could lead to issues with market entry timing.”
News of BTS’s potential delayed comeback due to the ongoing investigation of Bang Si-hyuk sparked outrage among Korean netizens, who expressed frustration over the company allegedly using BTS as a shield for its crimes:
- “What does BTS have to do with Bang Si-hyuk? Are BTS at a level where they can’t make a comeback without him?”
- “Does BTS really need Bang Si-hyuk? For NewJeans, it was fine without Min Hee-jin, wasn’t that what HYBE said?”
- “Hey Bang, when Min Hee-jin was fired, they said it had nothing to do with NewJeans. Now you say Bang Si-hyuk is tied to BTS? When do you destroy other teams? Total hypocrisy.”
- “Why does the criminal complain shamelessly? Bang Si-hyuk is involved in a 1.2 trillion won stock fraud. That’s life imprisonment material. Why do articles like this keep coming out?”
- “Because of Bang Si-hyuk, NewJeans and BTS are suffering innocently. Bang Si-hyuk must be imprisoned. Not only retail investors, but fans are suffering psychologically too.”
- “So in the end, they just want leniency? The country seems really messed up.”
- “The accomplice ran away, and that proves the crime. Arrest him, then internal leaks will surface, and everything will unfold smoothly.”
