Billboard CEO explains, “There is no truth in keeping K-pop in check, my daughter likes BTS and Blackpink.”

Mike Ban, CEO of Billboard, said, "It's not true" about the suspicions that the Billboard Music Awards are holding K-pop in check. In addition, he showed special affection for his daughter and niece, saying that they like the groups BTS and Blackpink.

At 1 p.m. on the 15th, a press conference was held at the Chosun Palace in Gangnam, Seoul, with Mike Van, CEO of U.S. Billboard headquarters, and Kim Yuna, CEO of Billboard Korea, commemorating the launch of Billboard Korea.

Regarding the fact that the Billboard Music Awards (hereinafter referred to as BBMA's) established and presented a separate K-pop chart last year, there were suspicions that 'Billboard is keeping K-pop in check or excluding it.' In response to a question related to this, CEO Mike Ban said, "Our Billboard provides about 150 charts, including basic charts such as the Hot 100 and Billboard 200," and added, "There are also Latin charts and jazz charts, so it is not just the K-pop charts that are operated differently." He explained. In addition, he said, "We have know-how about charts for each genre and know how to operate them. We are running a separate K-pop chart to better express all the nuances of music."

In addition, Billboard changed the rule on the number of valid duplicate downloads on the main single chart, Hot 100, to once per person per week, and some pointed out that this was a policy to keep K-pop singers with large fandoms in check on the charts. there was. Regarding this, CEO Mike Ban said, "It is not true at all," and emphasized, "There may be a complicated relationship with several partners, but we can clearly say that it is not true."

CEO Mike Ban also showed special affection for K-pop. He said, “I don’t think the popularity of K-pop is a coincidence,” and “I plan to bless the popularity of K-pop and sincerely support Korean artists to become better known around the world.” He smiled and said, “I like and support all K-pop artists, but I have a daughter and niece, and they all say they like BTS, Blackpink, New Jeans, and Tomorrow by Together.”

Billboard Korea is scheduled to launch in June. However, in the past, Billboard Korea caused a stir several times, leading to several projects being canceled and the corporation disappearing. In relation to this, Kim Yuna, CEO of Billboard Korea, drew a line, saying, "We have nothing to do with the previous company," and explained, "It would be convenient if you think of us as the K-pop team of Billboard headquarters. Everything will be carried out through close collaboration under the control of headquarters." did.

He continued, “We are planning to publish the first issue in June, and it can be considered as an official launch along with this. We will work with our headquarters to promote K-pop stars around the world,” adding, “We plan to host one of our events by attracting them to Korea.” “I also have it,” he added.

This press conference was held to commemorate the visit of Mike Ban, CEO of U.S. Billboard headquarters to Korea and the launch of Billboard Korea in June. The launch of Billboard Korea is the first since the acquisition of Billboard headquarters from global media group Penske Media Corporation (PMC) in 2020.

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr