BTS refuted the claim of manipulating the Billboard chart rankings through a media interview.
In an interview with Billboard released on the 26th (local time), BTS said that while 'Butter' and 'Permission to Dance' topped the single charts, fans of American pop stars Olivia Rodrigo and Dua Lipa said that the BTS fan club was manipulating the chart rankings. He was asked about his argument and expressed his opinion.
Leader RM said, "It's a fair question," and said, "If there's any talk on the Billboard, it's up to the Billboard to change the rules and put more weight on streaming."
He also emphasized, "I don't know if it's right to criticize us and our fans for being number one in song sales and downloads." It seems to be an easy target.”
Shin Young-jae, the CEO of BTS' agency Big Hit Music, also rejected the chart manipulation claim, saying, "I know that the development of the music market is something that makes some people scratch their heads."
He added, "I don't think the US market is the place to easily top the charts just by downloading," he added.
(SBS Entertainment News reporter Kang Kyung-yoon)