Netizens have voiced strong concerns regarding HYBE's handling of SEVENTEEN's comeback, alleging sabotage in the group's recent release activities.
SEVENTEEN's anticipated song "MAESTRO" was released on April 29, but fans were puzzled by the lack of a traditional premiere for the music video. Instead, it was shared on social media, sparking confusion among fans.
Stock Availability Concerns
Adding to the controversy, fans in Korea reported discrepancies in physical album availability. Despite queues forming before the release, major stores reportedly had no stock, leaving fans frustrated and questioning the organization of the release.
SEVENTEEN (세븐틴) 'MAESTRO' Official MV
— 세븐틴(SEVENTEEN) (@pledis_17) April 29, 2024
▶ https://t.co/5PTLCDNonS#SEVENTEEN #세븐틴#17_IS_RIGHT_HERE#MAESTRO#세븐틴의_지휘에_맞춰 pic.twitter.com/142GBORPkZ
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Netizens' Reactions and Support
Despite these challenges, loyal fans, known as CARATs, expressed pride in SEVENTEEN's achievements with the new album. However, they also called for fair treatment and investment in the group's comeback, mirroring sentiments shared by netizens.
damn,,, no yt premiere for maestro so everyone better check the mv immediately on yt as soon as it is released!
— hannie ☻ (@minghaocheol_) April 29, 2024
MAESTRO MV IS RIGHT HERE#마에스트로_세븐틴의_지휘에_맞춰#SEVENTEEN_IS_MAESTRO@pledis_17
The fact that Maestro doesn't have a YouTube premiere, tells me all that there is to know about Hybe. They are sabotaging Seventeen, there's no other way to view this. Carats, in about 25mins, we need to all watch the MV together. Hybe can go fck itself.
— Sweety♡ (@wonminmin) April 29, 2024
BUT WHY?? 😭 pic.twitter.com/JsOY3VyAdm
— ㅈㄷ ✿ (@anoniemity) April 29, 2024
hybe HATES pledis artists 😭
— kalin ୨୧ ♡ IS SEEING KIOF 11/16 (@symphonysvt) April 29, 2024
when pledis said "directed by carats" they meant we'll be the one to actually do everything pic.twitter.com/0KPDPe93Pd
— kyuubi | ia for a while (@macchiatoooowww) April 30, 2024
I'm actually thinking now that someone is afraid that SEVENTEEN might surpass FML's success now coz wdym there's no premiere and the albums are not yet delivered to physical stores in sokor
— jayne || ia (@starangiseon) April 29, 2024
Didn't gave us premiere link for Maestro MV like other artist and also basically under stocked 17 Is Right Here Albums at K stores HYBE AND PLEDIS GO BURN IN HELL PLS STOP SABOTAGING SEVENTEENpic.twitter.com/E9DsNhWhjg
— Jan♡ ¹⁷ | busy (@carat29star) April 29, 2024
I DONT CARE IF HYBE BUILDING IS BURNING! I WANT THIS COMEBACK TO BE SUCCESFUL! SEVENTEEN ALBUMS NOT IN STORE. YOUTUBE PREMIERE LINK NOT EVEN POSTED!
— 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐲𝐮 🐶 ⋰˚☆ (@resplendentGYU) April 29, 2024
SABOTAGE! @HYBEOFFICIALtwt
hybe can buy the whole industry and media for their other groups but can’t give svt a yt premiere and properly stock the albums on the day of release? https://t.co/Wa21hpHQ4t
— ale is seeing svt (@hoshijashy) April 29, 2024
Meanwhile, Korean CARATs have expressed disappointment and frustration with SEVENTEEN, citing instances of what they perceive as deception and a lack of consideration for their fandom.
These grievances include past controversies, such as dating rumors and gift controversies, as well as dissatisfaction with the group's tour announcement and decision to celebrate their 9th debut anniversary in Japan.
Fans are calling for all 13 members of SEVENTEEN to enlist in the military, expressing a sense of betrayal and disillusionment. The sentiment among fans is that the group should address their controversies and prioritize their Korean fanbase.
Read also: HYBE Claps Back To Min Hee Jin's Claims That NewJeans Delayed Debut Was Due To LE SSERAFIM
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Written by Cassidy Jones.