HYBE’s Coachella Stake Attempt Sparks Controversy and Allegations of Media Manipulation
A recent report detailing HYBE’s alleged attempt to secure a 50% stake in Coachella, leveraging the promotional power of BTS’s world tour, has ignited a firestorm of controversy and accusations of media interference. The initial article, published by Sports khan on January 18, 2026, was subsequently edited to remove key details, prompting Korean netizens to allege that HYBE pressured the publication to alter its coverage.
the original Sports Khan piece outlined a proposal where HYBE reportedly offered a 50% ownership stake in Coachella to AEG, the festival’s parent company, in exchange for complete control over the promotion of BTS’s upcoming global tour. This demand, according to local media interpretations, was viewed as a strategic maneuver to exert influence over artist selection at the renowned music festival. The report specifically named HYBE girl groups LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT as potential beneficiaries of this arrangement,suggesting a pathway for easier inclusion in the Coachella lineup and accelerated entry into the U.S. market.
“analysts described it as a strategic move to easily feature HYBE’s own idols at Coachella and facilitate entry into the U.S. market,” the original article stated.
Though, AEG reportedly rejected the offer, with industry insiders suggesting that even the substantial revenue generated by a BTS tour would represent only a short-term financial gain compared to Coachella’s consistent, large-scale annual profits. One analyst noted that from AEG’s perspective, the deal would have been a “losing business.”
Following the initial publication, notable portions of the Sports Khan article were removed. The direct mentions of LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT were deleted, as was critical analysis characterizing HYBE’s approach as potentially damaging to K-pop diversity and a threat to Coachella’s established prestige. this editing process fueled accusations of censorship and manipulation.
Korean netizens quickly took to social media to express their outrage, with many claiming this was not an isolated incident.One user on X posted, “They keep demanding edits whenever news goes against them… now everyone just screenshots HYBE-related articles instantly.” Another user commented, “HYBE’s scandals always conveniently break on the weekend. Their stock is precious, after all.”
Despite the edits to the Sports Khan article, evidence of the original reporting persists online. A fan account on X shared a screenshot demonstrating that Google’s search results still display mentions of LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT in connection with the story.
The controversy underscores growing concerns about the influence of major entertainment companies on media coverage and the potential for such actions to undermine journalistic integrity. The situation raises questions about the boundaries between strategic investment and attempts to control artistic expression within the global music landscape.
Who: HYBE, a South Korean entertainment company, attempted to negotiate a deal with AEG, the parent company of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
What: HYBE proposed a 50% stake in Coachella in exchange for complete promotional control of BTS’s upcoming world tour.
why: HYBE aimed to secure easier inclusion for its artists, specifically LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT, in the Coachella lineup and accelerate their entry into the U.S. market.
How: HYBE made the offer to AEG, but it was rejected due to concerns about long-term profitability. The initial report in Sports Khan was subsequently edited, leading to accusations of media manipulation. The situation ultimately ended with AEG rejecting the offer and HYBE facing public scrutiny over its alleged attempts to influence media coverage.
