ARMYs are currently calling out Billboard Magazine for a cover story it published that had allegedly painted Kpop band BTS in a bad light as it discussed chart manipulation and its effect on the chart rankings of BTS’ recent single “Butter.”
Fans accused the music publication of asking questions deemed disrespectful and of focusing on the debate surrounding the band’s consistent chart success. Critics have long been skeptical of their rankings, complaining that their fanbase’s streaming parties and music purchases greatly skewed them.
The interviewer then asked BTS’ leader RM on his opinion on this, to which he answered: “If there is a conversation inside Billboard about what being No. 1 should represent, then it’s up to them to change the rules and make streaming weigh more on the ranking.”
“Slamming us or our fans for getting to No. 1 with physical sales and downloads, I don’t know if that’s right,” he added. “It just feels like we’re easy targets because we’re a boy band, a K-pop act, and we have this high fan loyalty.”
ARMYs everywhere have then demanded Billboard to apologize for the article and for “profiting” off of the band for the sale of the magazine issue. They have also urged everyone to boycott the issue.
Those who have been fans of the Kpop idol group for years would know that the success that they have now did not come easy for them as they spent their early years as rookies struggling to be known in the music scene and facing discrimination, allegations of plagiarism, and death threats.
You can read more about their rise to fame here.
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