BTOB caused confusion among fans due to overlapping concert schedules and controversy over cheering sticks. The four members released statements, but fans' reactions are mixed. We've summarized the core of this controversy and its future direction!

1. BTOB, why did they split into 4 members vs 2 members?
After BTOB's contract with Cube Entertainment expired last year, they each went their separate ways to different agencies.

Currently, Seo Eunkwang, Lee Minhyuk, Lim Hyunsik, and Peniel founded BTOB Company, Lee Changsub belongs to Fantagio, and Yook Sungjae belongs to IWILL Media.

However, as the group name remained the same as BTOB, there was still a possibility of a full group promotion. However, recently, controversy erupted as the schedules of the 4-member BTOB solo concert and Lee Changsub's solo concert overlapped.

2. Overlapping concert schedules, intentional or coincidental?
BTOB Company stated in a statement that they had been working on renting a venue for the year-end concert since April of last year, and had made a reservation at Jamsil Students’ Gymnasium on July 17. The official permit was granted on September 25.

However, they later realized that Lee Chang-sub's solo concert schedule overlapped, but explained that it was difficult to coordinate due to practical reasons. They said that it was difficult to change it due to venue rental issues.

About this, fans

“They said they tried to coordinate, but isn’t the problem that they ended up going ahead with it without any schedule adjustments?”
“They said they would be active as a full group, but in the end they are moving separately.”
People are reacting by saying things like, “Won’t this only make things more confusing for the fans?”

3. BTOB brand usage issue, what are the 4 people's choices?
Currently, BTOB Company has secured the trademark and neighboring rights to the name 'BTOB'. In other words, the four members can work under the name BTOB, but they are not able to register a new unit name.

Because of this, some fans are reacting by saying, “Aren’t you going to end up promoting as a four-member group?” while others are saying , “It would be best if all six of you were together, but shouldn’t you also consider realistic aspects?”

4. Lack of communication? Lee Chang-seop and Yuk Seong-jae’s meaningful remarks
In the recently released '2025 BTOB New Year's Party' video, Lee Changsub mentioned the lack of communication, and Yook Sungjae also expressed his discomfort, saying, "Because of communication problems between companies, there were many times when the members were frustrated with each other."

Fans are responding with comments like, “If even the members felt frustrated, then maybe communication wasn’t going well,” and “The fact that such things are being said is a problem in itself.”

Regarding this, BTOB Company
“We will make sure that similar problems do not occur in the future.”
“We will continue to cooperate for BTOB’s full group activities.”
However, the fans' distrust has not been completely resolved.

5. Even the cheering stick controversy? Fans are confused again
Here, when the new BTOB cheering stick ver. 3 was released, there was an issue where it did not work with the existing ver. 2. They say it was a problem caused by different manufacturers, but fans

“What are you going to do if even the cheering stick is split like this?”
“Should I buy ver.3 or not…?”
“If it doesn’t work with the existing cheering stick, won’t it only increase the confusion of fans?”

There is an atmosphere where people are reacting like this and pointing out the company's lack of communication.

6. Will BTOB be able to promote as a full group?
Currently, BTOB is receiving both expectations and concerns from fans amidst various issues such as the maintenance of the team name, concert schedule, and cheering stick controversy.

BTOB Company posted an apology, but
❗ How actively will you communicate with fans in the future?
❗ Is it actually possible for all 6 members to perform together?
❗ How to resolve the current conflict

I think this part will be a more important point.

MELODYs, what do you think about BTOB’s next move?

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