On October 7, a photo of Bang Si-hyuk with KATSEYE, featured in The New Yorker, began circulating online, sparking heated reactions from Korean netizens. This is not the first time Bang has drawn attention for a photo with KATSEYE – previously, fans were focused on his noticeable weight loss. However, this time, the criticism was directed at his presence in the picture.
Some netizens expressed that they felt his inclusion in the photo was unnecessary, with comments such as:
- “Seems like his self-awareness is way too inflated. He can’t even tell when to join in or not.”
- “Learn when to join and when to back off, man.”
- “Why are you even chiming in there?”
- “Is he trying to warn us not to stan this group?”
- “Know your place…”
However, there were others who defended him, pointing out that the article, titled “The K-Pop King“, focused on Bang Si-hyuk’s journey with HYBE and his work with various artists. In this context, they argued that it made perfect sense for him to be in the photo.
Bang Si-hyuk’s journey with HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment) has been a cornerstone of modern K-pop’s global explosion. As the visionary behind the meteoric rise of BTS, Bang is often credited with revolutionizing the industry. He built HYBE into a powerhouse by prioritizing innovative approaches to music, fan engagement, and multimedia, setting new standards for what a K-pop label could achieve.
However, this latest controversy highlights the delicate balance between his behind-the-scenes role and his public persona. While some believe his presence can overshadow the artists themselves, others argue that as the architect of HYBE’s success, Bang Si-hyuk deserves recognition in his own right.
