A recent announcement from HYBE regarding BTS has sparked outrage amongst fans.
In 2021, HYBE teased ARMYs with a new project from BTS called “Artist-made Collection.”
ARTIST-MADE COLLECTION BY BTS
Release Schedule#BY_BTS #BY_RM #BY_Jin #BY_SUGA #BY_jhope #BY_Jimin #BY_V #BY_JungKook pic.twitter.com/bYL0BfbWTS
— HYBE MERCH (@HYBE_MERCH) December 30, 2021
It was revealed that the members of BTS had created their own merchandise for fans.
The HYBE merch was legendary as it sold out instantly, with some even joking that the company must’ve made only a few because it was in what wasn’t even seconds.
new armys rly don’t understand the way the artist made merch sold out at 8:58 when the sale started at 9
— k⁷ (@koosjunie) December 6, 2023
After such a buzz and hype over the merchandise, it would be expected that HYBE’s recent announcement about restocking the items would be greeted with excitement.
ARTIST-MADE COLLECTION #BY_BTS 추가 판매
미리 보기 https://t.co/VwXFbYancG
판매 오픈 2023. 12. 07. 11AM(KST)
@weverseshop @BTS_jp_official
— HYBE MERCH (@HYBE_MERCH) December 6, 2023
Yet, while in the past, the announcement would’ve been greeted with excitement, it has instead sparked backlash and criticism from netizens for several reasons.
On December 5, BTS’s RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook did their final live together ahead of their enlistment. While it was chaotic, it was unsurprisingly emotional for ARMYs as it would be the last time for a long time to see the members.
Considering the merchandise tweet was shared just over twelve hours after the broadcast, many thought HYBE was playing on their emotions. Some even noticed that the prices had been increased. If the merch was like gold dust, ARMYs would want it even more considering their emotions about the members enlisting.
not to be that person but hybe loves to profit off our emotional lows and it’s just nasty work… https://t.co/xioDLukOw3
— ⁷ (@escapismjjk) December 6, 2023
I feel a little upset over the timing of this merch drop. Hybe knows emotions are at an all time high because of the remaining four members enlisting soon. the artist made merch sale was very panic inducing too, it really feels like the company is profiting from our feelings :/
— sugawa⁷ (@sugawainscoting) December 6, 2023
Hybe saw us heartbroken over the boys leaving and thought what a good opportunity to clean out the warehouse ( •̅_•̅ )
— 𝓪⁷ (@JlNSONYEONDAN) December 6, 2023
Along with playing on the “emotions” of fans, the announcement also came at a time when fans were boycotting HYBE for decisions surrounding the artists BTS collaborated with. In particular, some of the artists working BTS’s Jungkook have sparked debate over their zionist views.
we are still boycotting, you really dont need any of these items. i know it is not the same, but you can buy a light projector secondhand for under $20, you dont need the bag, clothing items, etc… honestly, the price and shipping costs should steer you away from it in general https://t.co/o8h9C7Etc9
— st☆r (@miffyjimin) December 6, 2023
????????? damn they heard twitter say ‘boycott hybe’ and decided to roll out the big guns because what the hell lmao….this….lol https://t.co/5QbbPa03az
— rayna⁷ 🪻 (@nycnamjoon) December 6, 2023
u lot gonna whack me if i say that boycotting this would be a great way to show how serious we are about getting zionists out of hybe or…? https://t.co/Q03dcEYBX6
— (winnie the) rooh⁷
JINDAY (@btsprodsuga) December 6, 2023
For many, the timing seems more than just a coincidence.
