HYBE is one of the biggest entertainment companies in the K-Pop industry because founder Bang Si Hyuk takes a different approach to managing the company’s artists. One that earned him praise from viewers of BTS‘s documentary BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star.
BTS and Bang Si Hyuk (center). | Hong Jang Hyun/TIME
In one of the scenes, Bang Si Hyuk met with BTS and warned the members they could “make bigger wishes since everything is going so well” or choose a different path. A path that didn’t make their “burnout” worse.
Because BTS spent years working nonstop to achieve goals no other K-Pop group has—to the point of risking their mental and physical health—Bang Si Hyuk wanted them to focus on their happiness instead.
But I think our goal next year should be to find ways to be happy. It’s something that no other superstar in the world has ever done. I’m not sure if it’s something you can accomplish by trying.
Not a lot of superstars have good endings. Many of them become depressed or develop social phobias. I’m really worried you’ll become unhappy if you continue to live like this.
— Bang Si Hyuk
Bang Si Hyuk explained the importance of artists putting themselves before success. He said, “At a certain point, it’s more important for an artist to have autonomy and be happy as a person.”
Proving how serious he was, Jimin recalled a moment when Bang Si Hyuk asked the group if they wanted to take a break. He said, “Si Hyuk asked us if we wanted to just rest for six months.”
However, BTS didn’t feel the timing was right because they “were finally doing well” in gaining attention from the public.
Still, Bang Si Hyuk reminded BTS to take care of themselves. He said, “I’d say, ‘How can they work if they’re struggling?’ Their happiness is most important.”
Seeing Bang Si Hyuk’s focus on BTS’s well-being caused fans to gain a newfound respect for the HYBE founder.
**SPOILER**
Say what you will but Bang PD offering the boys a 6-mo break when they just started seeing real success, and telling them to remember their happiness and love for music when many others would’ve pushed ruthlessly, is enough for him to have my respect as a man & CEO.
— Cypher⁷ / Shesawseesaw (@cypherluscious) December 20, 2023
I have the deepest respect towards Bang pd.
He was the one who first thought about the tannies mental health when they blew up in the US.
I really can’t understand the hate towards him. He genuinely loves these guys
— to the Magic Shop⁷ (@KeyToMagicShop) December 20, 2023
In an industry that takes advantage of idols, Bang Si Hyuk has gained respect for doing the opposite and prioritizing mental and physical health before achieving success.