BTS member V, also known as Kim Taehyung, recently sparked curiosity with a cryptic Instagram Story featuring a cat illustration and a Korean message that translates to, “You’re overthinking it again. Things will be fine.” V added his own caption, “I got it, Teacher Cat. I won’t break down.”
Fans quickly connected the post to the ongoing tensions between BTS’ label HYBE and Min Hee Jin, the former CEO of ADOR, a HYBE subsidiary. While V did not explicitly reference the controversy, his message fueled speculation that it might allude to the situation.
Translations of article “BTS V contacts Min Hee-jin during training, violating military law” Le Sserafim fan files complaint with Ministry of National Defense Creds: @/NJBUBBLEGUM pic.twitter.com/p2ijPv4Hnq — ri (@kangsterrin) October 30, 2024
Military Controversy and Clarification
The controversy began after Min Hee Jin claimed during a live broadcast that V contacted her via calls and texts during his military service, even wishing her a happy birthday early in the morning. In South Korea, military trainees are typically allowed limited phone use, leading to allegations that V may have received preferential treatment.
A legal complaint was filed against V, accusing him of violating military regulations. However, an investigation by the South Korean military cleared the BTS member of any wrongdoing. Officials confirmed that trainees are allowed to use their phones for up to an hour during designated rest periods, such as weekends and holidays. They verified that V adhered to these rules and only used his phone during the approved afternoon hours, not in the morning as claimed by Min Hee Jin.
Citing South Korea’s data protection regulations, the military declined to disclose specific details of V’s communications but confirmed he followed all protocols.
Broader HYBE Dispute
The controversy is unfolding against the backdrop of a power struggle within HYBE. Min Hee Jin, credited with the success of NewJeans under ADOR, has been accused by HYBE of attempting to distance the subsidiary from its parent company. Min Hee Jin has countered by alleging plagiarism by another HYBE subsidiary, Belift Lab, intensifying tensions within the label.
Future Plans
V’s military service is set to conclude on June 10, 2025. BTS is expected to make a highly anticipated group comeback later that year, marking a new chapter for the globally acclaimed septet.
As the HYBE-Min Hee Jin controversy unfolds, V’s post and his cleared military record remain focal points for fans and industry observers alike.