The release of Netflix documentary BTS: The Return has ignited a firestorm within the ARMY fandom, but the heat isn’t directed at the group. Fans are calling out HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk for what they describe as “gaslighting” and “oppressive” leadership during the creation of the group’s latest album.
The 90-minute film, which chronicles the group’s highly anticipated comeback after their military hiatus, offers a raw look at the birth of “BTS 2.0.” However, it’s a tense boardroom scene regarding the track “Body to Body” that has gone viral for all the wrong reasons.
The documentary captures a major creative rift over the inclusion of “Arirang”, a traditional Korean folk song. While the members leaned towards using a shorter segment of the song, Bang Si Hyuk pushed for using a longer segment to serve as a “nationalistic” anthem for stadium crowds.
The members’ reactions were honest. RM compared the mix to “making a bibimbap with bread, pork cutlets and kimchi.” V expressed concern that it felt “overly nationalistic,” while Suga worried that the song was more suited for a “special occasion” than a cohesive track.
j-hope looking a $1.3B Chairman in the eye and saying, “that’s not it”—respectfully. Hoseok has nerves of steel and the finesse of a seasoned CEO. pic.twitter.com/5z8vifyzPg
— Hoseokiepedia (@hoseokiepedia) March 27, 2026
However, Bang argued, “When performing in front of 60,000–70,000 people, a scene where over 50% of the audience sings along to the chorus of ‘Arirang’ would be incredibly iconic. Even if the you ultimately decide otherwise, it feels like we’re discarding something significant by not even discussing it.”
Jungkook responded, “Not many people, other than Koreans, would know the song ‘Arirang.’ Considering that, wouldn’t it be better to just include it in a way that sounds pleasant?” But Bang Si Hyuk interrupted, stating, “Even if that version is better, I believe we gain something bigger by using this approach with minimal musical loss. It’s not about ‘liking this or that.’ You are a once-in-a-generation iconic group, and it’s undeniable that you’re a Korean act. It’s also undeniable that your target audience is the global mass public, not just Korea. As I said before, the final decision is yours to make.”
>> BTS’ Netflix Comeback Live Draws 18.4 Million Viewers, But Sponsorship Deals Fall Through
Upon the documentary’s release, criticism emerged from the BTS fandom and other K-pop fans, focusing on Bang Si Hyuk’s behavior during the meeting.
One popular tweet read, “They call a meeting to listen to your thoughts, but then they act cold and awkward. When someone finally speaks up, they interrupt and criticize even if the idea is good. Everyone leaves feeling frustrated, and they say the decision is yours to make in the end. It’s pointless. If you’re going to do whatever you want, why hold the meeting at all? And then the choice is left to us anyway.”
의견 내라고 회의는 열었는데 여러분의 원하시는대로 하실지라도 이러면서 싸하게 만들다가 용기내서 의견내면 설사 그게 좋더라도 이지랄하면서 말 끊고 모두 표정썪어가는데도 마지막에 결론은 여러분이 내릴 수 밖에 없어요 이지랄
지맘대로할거면서 회의는 왜 그와중에 선택은 니네가하는거 pic.twitter.com/taVwFKx7ER— Main vocal.💜🐰jungkook𝄞 (@97901_sue) March 28, 2026
“What’s even creepier is that they don’t seem to recognize how oppressive their behavior is, and they actually included it in the documentary. The CEO acts like he’s open to opinions but always ends up pushing his own, and it gets carried out. This has been the pattern all along. What’s really unsettling is that no one in the organization sees an issue with it. It frustrates me that my artist is still in that kind of environment.”
더 소름인건 이게 얼마나 폭압적인 모습인지 인식하지못하고 다큐에 떡하니 넣어놨다는거야 대표가 민주적인 체하며 결국 자기의견을 강요하고 그 의견이 관철되는 식 늘 이래왔다는거고 저 집단안에 누구도 문제의식을 갖고있지 않다는게 너무 소름끼치고 내아티가 저런곳에 아직도 있다는게 너무싫다 https://t.co/sGyosgVvML
— JKVERO.97𝄞mnijungkook💙 (@JKVERO901) March 28, 2026
Social media has been flooded with empathy for the members, with many comparing the scene to their own workplace struggles. “Watching seven men in their 30s with a decade of world-class experience get shut down by their boss was painful,” noted one netizen. “It felt like a typical office worker situation, having to follow the CEO’s bad idea even when you know it’s going to result in a half-baked product.”
While some defenders argue that Bang’s rigid vision is exactly what built the HYBE empire, the general consensus among the fandom is one of disappointment. Many believe the resulting album became a “compromise that satisfied no one.”
>> RM and Suga Recall BTS Argument That Left Jimin and V Crying for Hours During Song Camp
In the meantime, watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
Source (1)
