A recent controversy has ignited online after an article was published attributing the success of BLACKPINK 's Rosé 's song "APT." to BTS 's international popularity. Korean netizens discovered an article by news outlet Money Today , which highlighted BTS's Jin's return to the music industry after his mandatory military service, while also highlighting BTS' contribution to K-pop's global success.

The article mentioned: " HYBE's rise in the entertainment industry is largely due to BTS. The group has reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 eight times (including solo activities) and has made over 50 appearances on the chart. The majority of Hot 100 records held by K-pop artists belong to BTS. "

However, controversy erupted when the article added: " Recently, BLACKPINK's Rosé achieved an impressive feat by reaching No. 8 on Billboard with 'APT,' her duet with Bruno Mars. This success is also part of the larger chart, made possible in large part by BTS who paved the way for the global pop market that was previously unfamiliar with K-pop ."

The reactions of Korean netizens were not long in coming:

"What should we do about HYBE's subtle insistence that Rosé's success is thanks to them?"

"LOL."

“Hybe money today.”

"How dare they? HYBE is trying to take credit for the success of 'APT' when they had nothing to do with it."

"It's so ridiculous. It's scary to think that they see it that way."

"HYBE is even ready to undermine Psy, this fandom."

"Are they kidding? Everyone knows that fans gather huge sums of money to buy songs and pump up the charts in order to appear on Billboard."

"This media manipulation... I really don't understand."

"I even think BTS wouldn't like this article."