by Reporter Lee Sunmyung
A petition requesting for an investigation into the allegations of Sajaegi surrounding BTS has been sent to the relevant authorities. Additionally, there's also a petition requesting BTS to revoke the awards they received from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST) previously received these petitions on the 2nd and plans to transfer them to the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), a platform that deals with Sajaegi accusations. KOCCA will verify the facts and then request a response from Big Hit Music (HYBE) for an explanation. Depending on the situation, they will thoroughly examine the matter through investigative agencies facilitated by the MCST.
The suspicions of Sajaegi arose in January 2017 when the case's verdict was made public. A petitioner named A stated, "Judging from the verdict, it seems likely that illegal marketing occurred from September 23, 206, when the law regulating music industry promotion, including Sajaegi, was revised, up until January 11, 2017, when I received the first email from the defendant. It is deemed that Big Hit Music was forced to make a large payment due to threats."
Additionally, it has been confirmed that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on the 3rd of the month, received a petition requesting the revocation of the cultural minister's commendation awarded to BTS in October 2016 for their contribution to the advancement of Hallyu.
The complaint stated, "The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism should choose award winners carefully based on their achievements and conduct fair evaluations. If necessary, they should involve experts in the field to ensure an objective and fair assessment." The complaint also mentioned, "The suspicion of BTS's chart manipulation is a serious matter that goes against fair competition and the law. Therefore, according to Article 8, Clause 1, Subclause 1 of the Awards Act and Article 18, Clause 1 of the Government Award Regulations, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism must promptly review the revocation of the award."
The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, which received the complaint, is reportedly examining the facts.
-If it's true, they should cancel the award, right?
-Wasn't there a court ruling, not just allegations? Why are they still calling it an allegation?
-Isn't that medal for promoting Korean culture and language worldwide? And what's the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism got to do with it? They couldn't even conclude the previous Sajaegi issue with a court ruling. Why are they investigating this when it's not even under judicial authority?
-I don't understand the connection between the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, investigation, and Sajaegi.
-With a court ruling, why investigate again? Isn't it obvious?
-They should return the award, whether it's a medal or a commendation.
-I mean... Athletes have to revoke their medals if they get caught doping, don't they?
-Wow, it's getting serious.
-The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism shouldn't be criticized. In our country, all public institutions should receive and respond to petitions. Although it might not be possible to accept every petition, especially in this controversial issue, we shouldn't blame the person who submitted the petition to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. Cancelling an award can be done according to regulations, and we need to carefully examine whether the award was given based on music sales performance.
-I don't think they're going to return the awards
-I think there's no need to investigate when everything's already in the court ruling.
-Suspicions? There's already a court ruling...
-They did contribute to the Hallyu wave. The contribution they made was significant, though...
-I'm not a fan, but why cancel it? Canceling seems too much.
-ㅋㅋㅋ It's funny, there's a clear court ruling.
-Canceling the award is going too far.
-Suspicion? Investigation? Is the court ruling not enough?
-I think the award should be canceled;; Everything started with Sajaegi.
