BTS ‘father’ Bang Si-hyuk says he is driven to fight evil practices in K-pop music industry
Big Hit Entertainment’s founder and CEO tells students at Seoul National University graduation ceremony to take action against injustice
Bang Si-hyuk, the “father” of K-pop boy band BTS, says anger is his driving force.
“Fury has been my own source of energy,” he said during his commencement address at the 73rd graduation ceremony of his alma mater, Seoul National University on Tuesday. “I do not have any dream, but I have endless discontent. I raise complaints whenever the situation is not at its best, even if it is irrelevant to my work.”
Big Hit Entertainment’s founder and CEO added, “My dissatisfactions evolve into fury when there is no enhancement despite raising issues over the problem.”
“My colleagues and juniors are still having a tough time due to evil practices and unfairness in the industry,” said the music industry veteran of 21 years. “Many of them are even ashamed of speaking about their professions.”
“So I am infuriated,” he said. “Although I am not a revolutionist, I have tried to fight irrationalities. I will fight until the music industry treats them fairly and commonsense takes over.”
He called the students to take action, saying: “Don't let the absurdities prevail and don't forget that you are the solution.”
Bang also asked them to challenge the other's criteria, saying: “That is not your 'swag' – you should set your own definition of happiness and pursue it.”