BTS Sparks Huge Reaction After Giving Out Free Streaming Passes
BTS is facing backlash over aggressive promotion for their comeback album, Arirang.
The controversy began when an online post went viral showing how far BTS’s team went to push the new release. A screenshot from the Melon music platform revealed a pop-up ad saying, “Benefits given to ARMY! Listen to BTS songs now and get double streaming benefits.”
“I didn’t realize it was possible to promote to this extent. An automatic pop-up even appeared on Melon, telling me to listen to BTS’s music.”
— OP
Soon after, K-netizens shared their shock at seeing BTS ads everywhere online. Screenshots showed promotions popping up on multiple platforms, including the Google Play Store, TikTok, and even the T Map app.
Fans quickly reacted with mixed feelings:
- “What is this? This is the first time seeing a pop-up like this since using Melon.”
- “The Genie app also had a huge banner, and I didn’t know they could advertise something that big. I found out after this comeback.”
- “Such a waste…”
- “They are doing all this and yet no one listens to their music…”
- “Are they allowed to do this? I’m asking because I don’t know.”
- “How much money did they use for promotions? Ads for their music are popping up on the Google Play Store, TikTok, and more.”
- “These ads are all being paid for by the company.”
- “It even popped up on my T Map app…there isn’t a site where it isn’t popping up.”
- “People would probably still listen even if they didn’t do all this LOL.”
As the situation unfolded, fans debated the scale and necessity of BTS’s promotional tactics for Arirang. The pop-up ads and widespread banners have sparked a major conversation about the group’s comeback marketing strategy.