HYBE Accused Of “Free-Riding” Costs By Relying On Taxpayers’ Money
On March 18, it confirmed with the National Police Agency that there is currently no system in Korea to charge the private organizers for the costs of police personnel and equipment deployed to large-scale performances.
In a phone call with a police official, they stated, “Safety is fundamentally a public role of the state. Police forces are being deployed to protect citizens from dangers that may arise from large crowds.”
As a result, many are criticizing the fairness of the deployment of public authority. Although the performance is free, HYBE operates as a “corporate profit business” that generates massive revenue through OTT broadcasting rights (such as Netflix), merchandise sales, and global promotional activities.
Many also pointed out that it is a form of “free-riding” for large entertainment companies to rely on public security to cover a significant portion of their fundamental safety costs.
An office worker stated, “It’s difficult to accept that taxpayers’ money is being heavily invested into events that are presented as free, but ultimately lead to indirect corporate profits.”
Netizens agreed that HYBE should pay rather than use taxpayers’ money.
- “Korea has become a doormat for Netflix and HYBE’s money-making business.”
- “I mean, is BTS going to give me their money…”
- “The organizer should pay for it….what is wrong with them?”
- “Stop using taxpayers’ money and have HYBE pay for it all. What are they doing with the country’s money?”
- “HYBE should be paying!”
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