US record distributor've shown Inappropriate behavior towards BTS Jimin, angers ARMY

An executive at an American record distribution company reacted inappropriately to the support shown by fans ahead of the release of BTS Jimin's second solo album, inciting outrage from ARMY (BTS' official fandom name) around the world.

Ahead of the release of Jimin's 2nd full-length album 'MUSE', which is currently serving in the military, on the 19th of next month, 'Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (feat. Loco)' is scheduled to be pre-released on the 28th, and ARMYs around the world are going to support the activities through online platforms. X (formerly Twitter) requested Big Hit Music, Universal Music Group, and Geffen Records to open a proper purchase channel.

The problem began when Ray Kurzeka, vice president and head of streaming at Geffen Records, which is in charge of Hive's U.S. album and music distribution, left a comment on Gracie Abrams' song featuring Taylor Swift along with the article 'song of the year.'

As a distributor in charge of distributing BTS's albums and music in the United States, the act of referring to a song by a Korean singer by calling Jimin, who is about to release a new album, "Song of the Year" is a result of checks on K-pop and white supremacy among Asian singers. ARMYs' anger continued as it was seen as disregard and ridicule.

Afterwards, BTS's fans around the world protested, saying that there should have been notice of the purchase channel before it was required, and at the same time, they called for an apology for his rude behavior. However, Ray Kurzeka is receiving even stronger criticism for deleting the problematic post and converting

ARMY's frustration continues as Geffen Records, the person who posted the comment, and Jimin's agency Hive have not taken any action regarding this issue. Some fans voiced criticism, saying that the promise to protect artists and actively support their activities was just lip service.

Lee Min-kyung, Ten Asia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr