There is a rather interesting paradox in K-pop: although idols are signed to and managed by entertainment companies, the relationship between companies and fans is not always a good one. Fans can give their idols their unwavering love and support while still remaining skeptical of, and even frequently criticizing, the companies behind them. This distinction between their love for BTS and their attitude toward HYBE is even more apparent in a large fandom like ARMY.
The reason is not particularly difficult to understand, as the interests of the two sides do not always completely align. While companies have to balance revenue, business strategies, contracts, and commercial interests, fans tend to care more about their idols’ health, rights, image, and how they are treated. In BTS’s case, the members are also widely regarded as the “founding heroes” who helped build HYBE, making fans even more critical of how the company treats both the group and its fandom.
In most cases, simply avoiding criticism or backlash from fans is already soмєтнing HYBE has to be very careful about, let alone actually winning their favor. But recently, that rare thing happened! A gesture from HYBE has been receiving praise from the wider fan community, especially ARMY.
According to Billboard on the 17th, HYBE donated 1 billion Colombian pesos, equivalent to around $300,000, to support relief and recovery efforts following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia on August 10. The donation was made through HYBE αмєяι¢α on behalf of the parent company and will be coordinated by Fundación Ábaco, a Colombian nonprofit organization that specializes in delivering resources to communities affected by disasters and humanitarian crises.
HYBE said the funds will help address the immediate needs of affected communities while supporting longer-term recovery as damaged areas begin to rebuild.
The move comes as Colombia continues to deal with the particularly severe aftermath of the earthquake. Officials described it as the strongest earthquake to нιт the country in a decade. As of August 16, Colombian authorities had reported 289 ∂єαтнs, 143 people мιѕѕιиg, nearly 4,000 injured, and more than 14,000 homes and structures completely destroyed.
Unfortunately, some local ARMYs were also among those affected by the disaster. As a result, HYBE’s support carries an even more special meaning for the BTS fan community in general and ARMYs in Colombia in particular. One Colombian fan commented: "Man, as a Colombian ARMY this feels extra special. I'm so grateful for this”. Another fan also expressed: "Seeing anyone donate anything for my country has made me so fcking emotional. Especially when it came from someone I never expected — HYBE".
Meanwhile, fans have also acknowledged HYBE’s timely support during this difficult period, expressing their appreciation: "My Colombian heart, and being a Colombian ARMY, is grateful", "This is so goated of hybe to do omg lets go", "Surprisingly, Hybe did more than the one who calls himself president of Colombia", "THEY DID IT FOR ME!!!! the first time seeing hybe save armys", "Finally, HYBE actually did soмєтнing right", "Okay HYBE, you earned this praise", "Thank you... Music heals, and in times like the ones Colombia is going through, it also unites",...
On the other hand, international fans have spent the past few days sending messages of support and prayers, as well as coming together to make donations to the BTS fan community in Colombia. Locally, relief organizations have been carrying out search-and-rescue operations while distributing food, medical aid, and emergency supplies across areas affected by the υиєχρє¢тє∂ natural disaster.
