Some of HYBE's policies toward BTS have been adjusted since their discharge

 

The main duty of an entertainment company is to manage its artists, so labels usually apply specific policies to ensure daily operations run effectively. Those policies may include favorable conditions guaranteed for artists' activities, as well as strict rules that artist must follow. 

At times, restricting idols within a certain framework can feel frustrating, but in the positive side, this level of control helps shape idols into "perfect" performers in every aspect—from appearance and ethics to skills—ensuring they have good visuals, good behavior, and good morals. 

For example, JYP is known in the industry for its six trainee rules: no smoking, not driving, no plastic surgery, no clubbing, and no dating. Meanwhile, YG prohibits trainees from dating and requires them to maintain this rule for three years after debut. 

Big Hit Music and the superstar group BTS are no exception. However, each company's policies differ, and BTS has been given a separate set of guidelines compared to other idols under the same label due to their unique status. Some policies have even changed over time, especially after the members completed their military service.

One recent example is HYBE upgrading BTS's transportation vehicles to luxury cars. In the past, the company used standard vans for BTS, similar to most entertainment agencies. However, in the members' recent individual schedules—such as those Taehyung, Hoseok, and Jungkook—fans have often spotted four-seater Bentley or Mercedes vehicles. 

Initially, many fans misunderstood and thought those were the members' private cars, but the green license plates indicate that the vehicles are owned by HYBE (starting January 1, 2024, company owned passenger cars valued at over 80 million KRW must use light green plates). It seems that BTS now receives additional privileges—and of couse, they deserve them, as they are the label's financial reputation pillar. 

While BTS's treatment has been upgraded, some of the strict regulations Big Hit Music imposed on the group in early years have gradually been eased. One of those rules was that "Big Hit trainees are not allowed to drink alcohol from the moment they become trainees until debut." Even after debut, their alcohol consumption was restricted to avoid public perception.

Jin once shared that he began drinking when he was allowed to 18, but once he turned 19 and entered Big Hit Entertainment as a trainee, he was no longer permitted to drink. He explained, "I was unable to do those things because the company stopped me from drinking when I came here as a trainee at 19 years old."

However, in live streams over the past five years, ARMYs have seen the members drinking and chatting for hours. Back in 2020, this was done under the staff supervision to prevent unexpected incidents from spreading online. But now, Jungkook and Namjoon can freely do live streams from home, casually sipping alcohol without staff involvement.

The second rule Jin mentioned relates to filming—marking a major shift in HYBE's long-standing policies regarding BTS.

Jin shared that BTS mostly participated only in entertainment content produced by HYBE for ARMY or for internal use. He revealed that BTS almost never filmed third-party programs. "Almost 99% of the time." The company was extremely strict about what the members were allowed to film and rarely approved appearances on variety shows with crews outside HYBE's own staff or partners.

When BTS first debuted, fans could see them joining various variety shows and music programs during their first two years, like any rookie groups. But such appearances became much rarer over the following decade. It was only in recent years—especially during their solo activtities and after completing military service—that the third-party program appearances increased.

ARMYs understand that one reason HYBE restricted BTS's participation in outside shows was due to poor treatment they received in the past when they were not yet famous. Those clips are easy to find on YouTube. Another reason is once BTS rose to global fame, their schedule became extremely tight. Participating in HYBE-produced content was easier, while third-party appearances were more complicated to arrange. 

Although the rule regarding appearances in non-HYBE productions has been relaxed, the content of these shows is still thoroughly reviewed by staff. HYBE employees usually request to check the scripts before filming. 

Overall, certain regulations may feel strict and limiting, but they also help protect and guide artists, especially rookies. For veteran idols like BTS, once they reach the level of maturity where they can handle any situation, the company's policies naturally evolve.