In recent years, it has been interesting to see how the music industry has evolved. We are seeing songs from different regions crossing borders and gaining popularity across the world. African and Korean artists are making waves, from winning Grammy awards to ruling billboards. Superstars like BTS, Blackpink and New Jeans are leading the movement and taking K-pop to new heights.
It’s incredible to see how HYBE, the company behind BTS, has become a global powerhouse, even expanding into the United States. What surprised everyone was the collaboration with music mogul Scooter Braun who is known for his association with artists like Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber. However, something seems wrong. It seems like not everyone is happy with this decision, especially fans. And why?
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Who is Scooter Braun, CEO of HYBE America?
If you keep track of music and its happenings, you may have seen reports that mention singers like Demi Lovato and Ariana Grande considering a split from Scooter Braun. The music mogul is also in a major feud with pop superstar Taylor Swift over the ownership of the masters of her first six albums. And not only this, from time to time her name also comes up with Justin Bieber, with whom she has an old relationship, but now it comes out only in a negative form. Apart from them, Braun is known to manage artists like Kanye West, J.Balvin, Ozuna, Dan+Shay, Kid Laroi, and others.
When was Scooter Braun appointed CEO of HYBE America?
In 2019, Scooters sold Ithaca Holdings to South Korean corporation Hybee. In January 2023, Braun was appointed as sole CEO of Hybe’s US business.
HYBE America CEO Scooter Braun is getting criticized
Scooter Braun has repeatedly courted controversy both internationally and domestically. From past controversies with stars like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Justin Bieber to his current involvement with BTS, he remains the subject of heated public discussion. His recent comment on February 28 created a lot of buzz on online platforms.
#HYBEDivestFromZionism
A boycott movement has been launched by f the HYBE label, which manages several groups including BTS, SEVENTEEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, ENHYPEN and others. The campaign calls for the firing of Scooter Braun, CEO of the label’s US subsidiary. BTS supporters, or ARMYs, in particular, are leading the fight against Braun due to his alleged support of Israel amid the ongoing conflict that is ravaging the Gaza Strip in Palestine.
How did BTS get involved in Braun’s controversial saga?
Recently, Braun called for the release of Israeli hostages who were held during the events of October 7. He was heard saying, “I had to come and stand with my people.” As the reaction began to make noise online, the Korean K-pop label said in a statement, “This is a personal statement that is separate from company management.”
Previously, supporters had only been quietly protesting the label’s official merchandise since Braun’s association with him, but on February 23, a small number of BTS fans were said to have marched to the company’s Seoul offices in support of Braun’s removal from the business. I drove a truck. “The Korean and international forces demand the separation of HYBE from Zionism and Zionists in the industry,” the message said.
