A U.S. Record Executive’s Comment On Jimin’s Planned Solo Album Angers BTS Fans

ARMY (the official BTS fandom) is outraged by a U.S. record distribution firm executive’s disrespectful attitude to fans’ support for Jimin’s impending solo 2nd album. BTS member Jimin will release his second solo album, ‘MUSE,’ on July 19 while in the military. The 28th will see the pre-release of ‘Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (feat. Loco)’ from the album. Fans worldwide have requested adequate purchase channels from Big Hit Music, Universal Music Group, and Geffen Records on X (previously Twitter) to support this release.

In response to Gracie Abrams’ “song of the year” with Taylor Swift, Ray Kurzeka, Vice President and Head of Streaming at Geffen Records, which distributes HYBE’s albums and music in the U.S., raised the issue. ARMY was furious that this conduct was seen as ridiculing Jimin and K-pop and a sign of Western power and contempt for Asian musicians. Fans say the U.S. distribution company for BTS’s music was insulting for calling another artist’s song “song of the year” before Jimin’s album release. Kurzeka was asked to apologize and improve buying communication. Kurzeka erased the controversial message, made his X account private, and shut all his personal social media accounts without apologizing, inflaming the situation. Fans are furious that Geffen Records and Jimin’s agency, HYBE, haven’t acted or commented. Fans accused the firms of neglecting to safeguard and support the artist despite pledges.