In a jaw-dropping revelation, two iconic figures of the K-pop industry, J.Y. Park and Bang Si Hyuk, have finally shared the untold story of the infamous "sock incident".
It is the incident that shook the foundation of their collaborative history and eventually led to the creation of BTS and the rise of Big Hit Entertainment.
J.Y. Park and Bang Si Hyuk Unveil Shocking Revelation Behind BTS and Big Hit Entertainment's Origins
The illustrious pair, who enjoyed a close working relationship during the 1990s and 2000s, with Bang Si Hyuk working as a producer under J.Y. Park's JYP Entertainment, recently appeared as special guests on the November 1 episode of 'You Quiz on the Block.'
This appearance provided fans with a rare opportunity to gain insight into their collaborative history, as well as the challenges they faced on their journey to stardom.
One particular anecdote that came to light during the show was the infamous "sock incident" that had long been shrouded in mystery.
The story began with J.Y. Park recalled a time when he had invested his entire fortune into the company and was met with resistance from shareholders regarding a foray into the U.S. music industry.
They issued a challenge: fund it for a year on your own, and if you succeed, we'll provide company funds.
J.Y. Park elaborated:
"So I didn't have any money. I had an acquaintance in the States who allowed both of us to stay with him, even though he was a newlywed at the time.
Looking back, it was incredibly rude of us. Initially, we planned to stay for a month, but we ended up staying for four months. To make amends, we later gifted him and his wife with expensive watches."
He went on to describe how they set up a makeshift studio in the garage of the house because there was no extra room for music production.
The living arrangements were tight, with Bang Si Hyuk and J.Y. Park sharing a single small room and one bed.
Bang Si Hyuk, who had the responsibility of laundry during their stay in the United States in 2003, shared his perspective on the "sock incident."
He explained, "Hyung (J.Y. Park) kept rolling up his socks together, and every time I did the laundry, I had to unroll them. I told him not to do it, but he kept on doing it. One day, I exploded because we were two grown men sharing a small room."
J.Y. Park and Bang Si Hyuk Open Up About 'Sock Incident' That Shaped Their Journey to Stardom
J.Y. Park picked up the narrative, expressing his surprise at Bang Si Hyuk's outburst. He initially dismissed it as an overreaction over socks, but he soon realized that it was the result of months of pent-up frustration.
In the aftermath of the incident, Bang Si Hyuk briefly left the house but returned during the middle of the night.
The "sock incident" had a profound impact on their careers. Bang Si Hyuk decided to return to Korea, remarking that the history of K-pop might have unfolded differently if the incident had not occurred.
J.Y. Park shared that he managed to produce a few songs before Bang Si Hyuk's departure, but it wasn't enough to secure financial support from the company.
His subsequent venture into the U.S. music industry in 2008 during the financial crisis ultimately ended in failure.
Despite the tension caused by the incident, Bang Si Hyuk expressed his gratitude for J.Y. Park's unexpected support when he decided to strike out on his own.
Instead of reacting with anger, J.Y. Park provided financial assistance and encouraged him to choose the artists he wanted to work with, enabling him to become independent.
The episode shed light on the significance of mentorship and the unique bond between these industry giants.
You can watch it here:
J.Y. Park's willingness to support Bang Si Hyuk's independence showcased the depth of their relationship and their shared commitment to the future of K-pop.
This revelation, coming to light after years of secrecy, offers fans a new perspective on the roots of the global K-pop phenomenon and the success of Big Hit Entertainment.
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KpopStarz own this article.
Madison Cullen wrote this.
