The vinyl release of BTS member V’s solo album “Layover” has triggered widespread criticism from ARMYs over its handling by entertainment companies HYBE, BIGHIT MUSIC, and Geffen Records. What should have been a celebratory moment for the artist’s dedicated fanbase has instead become a source of frustration.
Major retail outlets across the United States, including Target and Walmart, quickly sold out of their limited initial stock, with fans reporting no subsequent restocking despite repeated requests. A social media post revealed the album was out of stock at several key retailers, including the BTS US Store and Weverse US, while remaining available only through select vendors like Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
The distribution issues extend beyond simple availability. Fans have also documented multiple concerns, including:
- Significant shipping delays in major markets
- Missed initial release schedules
- Minimal promotional support from the labels
- Limited stock in physical stores
- Forced reliance on digital platforms, particularly Japanese iTunes, to support chart performance
The situation has prompted a social media campaign from fans demanding equal treatment for V’s releases. Many ARMYs argue that the apparent lack of marketing effort and distribution support stands in stark contrast to how other artists’ releases are handled by the same labels.
The labels’ silence on these issues has only intensified fan disappointment, with many calling for more transparency and better management of future releases. As of publication, HYBE, BIGHIT MUSIC, and Geffen Records have not yet publicly addressed any of these concerns.
Source: kb
