K-pop's sway over fan spending lures foreign investors

But BTS agency Hybe's court battle highlights looming governance concerns

20240730N BTS Jin

BTS member Jin enjoyed some of his favorite beverages, including Milkis, at a June 13 fan event just after finishing his mandatory military service. (Hybe)

NAMI MATSUURA, Nikkei staff writer

SEOUL -- K-pop's biggest stars, like global phenomenon BTS, are shaping consumer spending and moving stock markets even as the agencies behind them start to run into governance issues that could risk turning investors off.

The drawing power of BTS could be seen this June when oldest member Jin greeted 4,000 screaming fans at the Jamsil Arena in central Seoul the day after his release from a year and a half of mandatory military service.

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