BTS leader RM took the opportunity to speak about the chart manipulation or sajaegi controversy that has marred a stellar year for the Kpop industry in 2019.
During BTS' acceptance speech for the Daesang for Best Album (physical and digital) at the 34th Grand Disc Awards, RM spoke about the unique opportunity that BTS has had in being able to share their music and words with fans all over the world, reported All Kpop.
While he did not directly refer to the term sajaegi, RM expressed hope that all artists will be able to do the same with an even playing field.
"We (BTS) are blessed with luck, and thanks to many people, we are able to say what we want to. However, there are also many artists who can't do the same and are making music sincerely in places that we can't see. I hope that in 2020, their efforts and sincerity will not be in vain and that they can reach out to the public fairly. I hope that things that have been done wrong in the 2010s can end with the 2010s ending," RM said meaningfully during his speech.
It can be recalled that Bloc B's Park Kyung, recently, caused a stir for directly accusing several artists of engaging in the practice of sajaegi or chart manipulation so that they can rank higher in the charts. The illegal practice also refers to labels buying albums of their artists in bulk so that the artists can win awards.
While Park Kyung's statement caused a string of lawsuits, he also received plenty of support from music fans and other artists who believed that he was telling the truth.
Last month, an anonymous tipster provided screenshots of what appeared to be multiple monitors running numerous windows. The informant said that he had the original video footage of the actual operator of the illegal chart manipulation process, another report by All Kpop stated.
"I hope that this may be of at least some help toward the current societal issue causing a stir right now, as well as toward the musician Park Kyung. The original file of this photo is video footage, and it contains the face of the individual running these computers," the tipster said.
The informant further said that he was going to send the actual footage to investigators, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, official committees within the music industry, so that proper action may be taken against the perpetrators.
