경찰, 방 의장 상대 구속영장 청구…BTS에 미칠 중장기적 영향은?
방 의장, 음악적 영향력 행사해와…신보 '아리랑'(ARIRANG)에선 멤버들과 이견 보이기도
최종 의사 결정권자의 부재는 곧 불안정한 활동으로 이어질 가능성 있어
방 의장, 음악적 영향력 행사해와…신보 '아리랑'(ARIRANG)에선 멤버들과 이견 보이기도
최종 의사 결정권자의 부재는 곧 불안정한 활동으로 이어질 가능성 있어
The call for separation among fans stems from the sudden emergence of legal risks surrounding Bang. He has been under investigation for over a year for allegedly gaining undue profits before HYBE's IPO. On the 21st, the police unexpectedly requested an arrest warrant for Bang, following a request from the U.S. to lift his travel ban. This places Bang at a critical juncture, as the court will decide on his arrest after a review.
Bang's Absence Could Impact BTS Long-Term
With Bang, the creator of BTS, facing possible arrest, the separation theory has gained traction. Fans worry that his legal issues could tarnish BTS's image. The focus is on whether BTS and Bang's musical and business ties can be severed.
In the short term, the impact may be minimal. BTS is currently on a world tour, scheduled to run until March 2027 across 34 cities in Asia, North America, and Europe. The tour's schedule and locations are set, with potential extensions. Thus, immediate decisions requiring Bang's input are unlikely.
However, the long-term perspective is different. As HYBE's owner, Bang's role extends beyond producing BTS. While professional managers handle day-to-day operations, Bang's insights are crucial for HYBE's strategic direction and K-pop industry leadership. His absence could delay critical decisions, as seen in other major Korean conglomerates like Lotte, SK, and Samsung when their leaders were unavailable.
Bang's Musical Influence is Indispensable
Bang has been pivotal in BTS's journey, from casting members to conceptualizing their image, earning him the title 'The Mastermind Behind BTS' from international media. Initially, he was directly involved in creating hit songs, but as BTS achieved global success, he transitioned to a strategic role, guiding the group's direction. His influence is evident in songs like 'Spring Day', 'Blood Sweat & Tears', and 'DNA', where he contributed to songwriting, and in 'Dynamite' and 'Butter', where he approved tracks from international composers.
In their latest album 'ARIRANG', Bang's influence was significant. He advocated for incorporating Korean elements, such as the sound of the Sacred Bell of King Seongdeok and sampling the folk song Arirang. This underscores the argument that BTS without Bang is hard to imagine.
A recently released documentary on the album's production highlighted Bang's musical discussions with BTS, revealing occasional conflicts over musical direction. Despite these, Bang's overarching influence on BTS's music is undeniable. The question remains whether there is a capable producer to unify the members' diverse musical styles in Bang's absence. Currently, no one matches Bang's ability to lead BTS.
Preparing for BTS's Future Beyond 2027
BTS is set to continue their world tour for at least another year, marking a new beginning rather than an end. Through their latest album, they have introduced a vision for 'BTS 2.0'. Their success with Bang is evident, but BTS without him remains untested. Post-contract, they might naturally separate and choose individual agencies, similar to BLACKPINK. It's crucial to weigh the risks of Bang's legal issues against the uncertainties BTS might face without him. Simply advocating for separation due to owner risks involves significant dangers.
Kim Soo-ah, TenAsia Reporter suapop@tenasia.co.kr