Rewrite the Rules

Hello, this is Big Hit/HYBE: Part 39

The insistent ping of my tablet at 3 AM was enough to launch me from a dream into a state of groggy irritation. Only one app dared to interrupt my sleep with such impunity – the holy grail of apps, the BTS app.

A groan escaped my lips as I fumbled for the device, half expecting another notification reminding me to stream their latest track.

But fate, it seemed, had other plans. A Big Hit Announcement stared back at me, its bold headline hitting me like a shot of espresso.

"Tenured Artists Allowed to Date?" I blinked, momentarily convinced I'd stumbled into some alternate K-Pop universe. This was like witnessing a unicorn riding a rainbow – fantastical, unbelievable, and utterly unlike anything BTS would do.

Disbelief warred with sleep in my muddled mind. Was this some elaborate sleep-deprived hallucination? Squinting at the screen, I reread the announcement. Nope, there it was in stark black and white.

The industry leaders were apparently loosening the reins, granting their artists the freedom to explore the uncharted territory of romance. The news was so earth-shattering I nearly dropped my tablet. Tenured artists – like, the actual BTS – were free to date!

My first instinct, fueled by a potent cocktail of shock and excitement, was to grab my phone and fire off a text to Namjoon. But then reality intervened.

It was 4 AM, an ungodly hour for anyone, let alone a world-famous pop star. He was probably fast asleep, lost in dreams of philosophical musings and galaxy-brain ideas. Texting him then would be like sending a message into the void.

Instead, I opted to dive headfirst into the digital abyss, specifically the comment section of the announcement. The internet, as expected, was in meltdown mode.

The BTS Army, once a relatively cohesive unit, had fractured into a mix of emotions. The shockwave of this revelation had hit them like a tidal wave, leaving a trail of bewildered fans in its wake.

Everywhere I looked, messages expressing outrage, confusion, and a surprising amount of possessiveness over the boys' love lives filled the screen.

It was a wild ride through the digital chaos, and despite the seriousness of the situation, I couldn't help but chuckle. Who knew that the mere possibility of idols dating could unleash such pandemonium?

The internet resembled a buzzing hive of emojis, caps lock, and virtual screams – a symphony of online hysteria that rivaled the decibel level of a BTS concert.

This time, though, the screams were echoing not in a stadium, but across the vast expanse of the internet. The world was buzzing, and the center of the storm? The possibility of BTS finding love.

Hello, this is Big Hit/HYBE,

Artist Dating Policy

Effective Date: Immediately

At Big Hit/HYBE, we believe in fostering a healthy and supportive environment for our artists. We recognize the importance of personal relationships and understand that our performers, including those with more senior tenure, have the right to pursue romantic interests.

This policy aims to provide guidelines for responsible and respectful behavior while maintaining the professional image of our artists.

1. Personal Freedom and Privacy: Artists are entitled to personal freedom and the right to have private lives. Big Hit/HYBE respects the privacy of its performers and acknowledges that dating is a natural part of personal growth.

2. Public Disclosure: Performers have the discretion to choose whether to publicly disclose their relationships. Big Hit/HYBE encourages open communication and honesty but understands that some artists may prefer to keep their personal lives private.

3. Timing and Consideration: Artists are encouraged to consider the timing of public disclosures in relation to their careers and the overall group dynamics. Big Hit/HYBE advises open communication with the management team to minimize any potential impact on group activities and schedules.

4. Professional Conduct: Performers are expected to maintain a high level of professionalism in their public and private lives. Any behavior that may negatively impact the reputation of Big Hit/HYBE or its artists will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

5. Management Support: Big Hit/HYBE commits to providing support and guidance to performers navigating public relationships. The management team will work closely with artists to address any concerns and minimize the impact on their careers.

6. Media Relations: Big Hit/HYBE will work with media outlets to ensure that coverage of artists' personal lives is handled with sensitivity and respect for their privacy. Media inquiries regarding personal matters will be addressed in accordance with the guidelines set forth by Big Hit/HYBE.

7. Fan Communication: Performers are encouraged to communicate openly with fans about their personal lives, within the boundaries they are comfortable with. Fans will be reminded to respect the personal space and privacy of their favorite artists.

By implementing this policy, Big Hit/HYBE aims to create an environment where performers feel supported in their personal lives while maintaining the high standards of professionalism and integrity expected from them.

The collaboration between enduring artist-management relationships and a loyal fan base creates a positive cycle, where artists feel valued and inspired, and fans, in turn, feel a deep connection to the artists they support.

This reciprocal loyalty forms the bedrock of a thriving and enduring entertainment industry, fostering a dynamic ecosystem that benefits artists, fans, and the industry as a whole.

I tossed the phone on the bed, the weight of the news settling heavily on my chest. Sleep was out of the question. Instead, I reached for my laptop, fingers flying across the keyboard as I joined the online maelstrom.

The BTS Army, once a united front, was in a state of utter disarray. Fury, confusion, and a weird sense of possessiveness flooded the comments sections. There were memes, conspiracy theories, and enough caps lock to light up a stadium.

A wry smile tugged at the corner of my lips. The internet, ever predictable, was having a meltdown. But amidst the chaos, a tiny voice whispered a question: Could this be a positive change? Could BTS, the men who brought me so much joy, finally have a shot at love, at a normal life?

The answer, like the future of K-Pop itself, remained frustratingly unclear. But one thing was certain: the world wouldn't be the same after this.