HYBE Accused Of Exploiting Suga For BTS’s Exclusive Release
BTS’s upcoming exclusive release has sparked disappointment in many fans.
The group’s latest album, ARIRANG, will be coming out in a deluxe vinyl version on April 3. However, it isn’t simply just another version of the same record. The vinyl version comes with a hidden track, making it all the more sought after among fans.
During their April 1 live broadcast, BTS revealed that this hidden track was actually produced by Suga! According to the members, Suga initially was “upset” that his song was not included in the album. He was left wondering for two weeks, until he realized it was the hidden song on the vinyl.
🐱 the song i produced is coming out, why is it not in the album i think we talked about it for 2 weeks but it's finally coming out. a very special song coming out as LP…
[others giving spoilers]
🐱 the song is good, it's good… pic.twitter.com/APn5VdVhMT— 슙짐 (@syubjim) April 1, 2026
This revelation sparked quite the backlash from fans, who were upset that a song produced by Suga was being released in such a restricted manner. Many complained about how inaccessible it would be for fans, since the hidden track wouldn’t be on any streaming services. The larger sentiment appeared to be that of resentment toward BIGHIT MUSIC and HYBE for choosing to sideline Suga’s hard work just to turn it into a “cash grab.”
They know adding a “Prod. SUGA” track can turn a struggling deluxe LP into a guaranteed seller. It’s infuriating because they deny him proper placement and the recognition he deserves, yet still use him as a cash cow whenever it suits their bottom line.
— Nimura | 🥢 (@RxlMinYoongi) April 1, 2026
A prod. SUGA song being vinyl-only just doesn’t sit right with me. If Yoongi worked hard on this song, waited for its release, and wanted it included, then it deserves more than being hidden on vinyl only. It deserves to be shared, appreciated, and streamed by everyone.
— Edi is seeing bts (@uryoonqi) April 1, 2026
What ppl don't understand is that this isn't about his song being rejected for not matching the album's vibe or whatever, this is about his song that was actually supposed to be on the album, a song he believed it would be on the album, not a song that was rejected from the start
— mini (@afuckingooday) April 1, 2026
if this song is prod suga and only available on the lp, then the company is just using him to grab more cash. i hope it’s released on streaming platforms, because otherwise it’s just unfair, especially when yoongi wanted it on the album.
— ✨️ (@bestea_yoongi_) April 1, 2026
if they keep a prod suga song only on vinyl, they’re not just depriving most of the fd who can’t buy it, but also the people who do buy it and don’t have a vinyl player. imagine having to jump through hoops to listen to a song yoongi WANTS us to hear.
— ✨️ (@bestea_yoongi_) April 1, 2026
Suga also remarked that he thought the song might become “the second ‘Take Two’.” While some international fans thought he was referring to the soundscapes being similar, many Korean fans argued that he actually meant that his song might go unacknowledged by most fans just like “Take Two” was.
The hidden track on the Deluxe LP releasing on April 3rd is a song produced by Yoongi 👀
🐨: I wonder if those coming to the Goyang concert next week will be able to hear it..
🐱: I think it might become the second "Take Two" pic.twitter.com/TON3THeCC8— kin (@sakinayoongi) April 1, 2026
I think he meant that it might end up like “Take Two” — a song that doesn’t really get the fandom’s support and just passes by unnoticed.
— 😈糖여정 (@StayAlive9339) April 1, 2026
Meanwhile, ARIRANG has secured historic achievements for BTS, including a rare “Global All Kill.” Read more:
Not Just Billboard Hot 100 #1— BTS Secures Historic “Global All Kill”
