HYBE, the entertainment company behind BTS, has come under intense scrutiny following their recent announcement regarding the BTS 2024 FESTA merchandise.
The announcement, made on June 4 via Weverse, introduced a range of customizable items including t-shirts, hoodies, phone cases, and a bucket hat. However, the reaction from fans, known as ARMY, has been overwhelmingly negative.
[공지] 2024 FESTA 진 오프라인 행사 응모 기준 변경 예정 안내https://t.co/YCnpo5tcvJ#2024BTSFESTA #BTS11thAnniversary
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) June 2, 2024
2024 #BTS FESTA Timeline 🗒️#2024BTSFESTA #BTS11thAnniversary 💜 pic.twitter.com/UMBSDRUola
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) May 31, 2024
The merchandise offered a unique feature: fans could customize pieces with emblems representing BTS, FESTA, and individual members. Additionally, some items included special gifts such as an assortment of patches, allowing further personalization. Despite these features, the designs have not resonated well with the fanbase.
2024 FESTA #weverse_by_Fans 예약 판매 및 현장 수령 안내🛍️ #BTS (@bts_bighit) 에셋을 이용하여 나만의 Merch를 직접 만들고,
— Weverse Shop (@weverseshop) June 4, 2024
2024 FESTA 현장 수령 부스에서 편하게 만나보세요💜
📌현장 수령 일시 : 6월 13일 (목) 11 AM ~ 6월 13일 (목) 7:30 PM KST
📌현장 수령 장소 : 서울시 송파구… pic.twitter.com/u4XIgBECdV
IN CASE YOU MISSED THIS: HYBE's Audacious Plan Unveiled - Trying to Lure Every SM Employee Away? As the announcement hit social media, ARMYs voiced their dissatisfaction with the new products. Many felt that the designs lacked creativity and meaningful connection to BTS. A sentiment echoed by many was the perception of HYBE's laziness in crafting these items, especially during such a significant annual celebration for BTS and their fans.
One ARMY member commented, "HYBE just making it easier to boycott..."
THIS SHIT IS UGLY , WHO IS YALL NEW GRAPHIC DESIGNER BC ????? HYBE JUST MAKING IT EASIER AND EASIER TO BOYCOTT FR... pic.twitter.com/0djWmEkID0 https://t.co/YPEvbUaxZX
— chels⁷ (@JKUGHH) June 4, 2024
11/12 sama yang dijual di shopee,pas makenya juga orang bakal ngira beli di shopee😔😔😔😭💔 https://t.co/q2gqczh6xo pic.twitter.com/0YDprip6Ln
— 𝙮𝙖𝙖🐳🐰 (@ksjk9297) June 4, 2024
11/12 sama yang dijual di shopee,pas makenya juga orang bakal ngira beli di shopee😔😔😔😭💔 https://t.co/q2gqczh6xo pic.twitter.com/0YDprip6Ln
— 𝙮𝙖𝙖🐳🐰 (@ksjk9297) June 4, 2024
What’s happening Weverse? Seriously? Are all your graphic designers on vacation??😭😭😭 https://t.co/1FMSuTxQpg
— living j-h ♡pely (@jeongmau) June 4, 2024
What’s happening Weverse? Seriously? Are all your graphic designers on vacation??😭😭😭 https://t.co/1FMSuTxQpg
— living j-h ♡pely (@jeongmau) June 4, 2024
even i can do better https://t.co/F2mFf5HtMX pic.twitter.com/9UJVqbfo29
— lucie⁷ (@googiepies) June 4, 2024
the corners on the logo…… this is so messy holy fuck https://t.co/bv33N4sN0p pic.twitter.com/Z0p6nHFeq0
— 빅히트 인턴⁷ is meeting dnp! (@whereisjoon) June 4, 2024
whoever is in charge of creative direction for bts, be it for merch or posters or group album concepts, needs to be fired and replaced by 2025 and i’m so serious https://t.co/dtdWqqljiX
— ً (@snowflowerist) June 4, 2024
This reflects the growing discontent among the fanbase, especially in light of an ongoing boycott against HYBE due to allegations related to Zionism.
The boycott against HYBE has been gaining traction among fans who are unhappy with the company's actions and affiliations. The release of what they perceive as subpar merchandise only fuels the existing frustrations, making it easier for fans to justify not purchasing the new products.
This is not the first time HYBE has faced backlash over merchandise. The company has been at the center of multiple controversies regarding the quality and relevance of products released for its artists. The latest incident with BTS's 2024 FESTA merchandise appears to be another chapter in this ongoing saga.
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Written by Cassidy Jones.
