HYBE Breaks Silence on BTS' Involvement in Michael Jackson Tribute Album

(L-R) V, Suga, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Jimin and J-Hope of BTS attend the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 03, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Amy Sussman/Getty Images

South Korean entertainment company HYBE today vehemently denied reports suggesting that boy group BTS took part in an upcoming Michael Jackson tribute album.

The statement came after widespread rumors that the group recorded a previously unreleased Jackson track at Ireland's Grouse Lodge Studio, a claim first reported by MJ Vibe, citing studio owner Paddy Dunning.

According to the report, sessions for the tribute album began last year, with Dunning stating that "we have already had the Korean boy band BTS over with us in Grouse Lodge, recording one of the songs." This detail quickly went viral across social media platforms, reigniting fan excitement over a possible crossover between the K-pop superstars and the late pop icon.

On August 5, HYBE's sub-label BigHit Music released an official English-language statement categorically refuting those claims: "BTS has neither visited Grouse Lodge Studio in Ireland nor taken part in any recording sessions at the location for the mentioned project. The group is not involved in the tribute album in any capacity. We are continuing to take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of inaccurate information. We express our sincere gratitude to fans for continuously showing support for BTS."

The agency added that it remains "fully committed to supporting the artists and their endeavors," emphasizing that all rumours about BTS's participation are "not true." Shortly after the denial, representatives for the Michael Jackson estate similarly affirmed that no collaboration with BTS had been authorised.

The unfounded reports first surfaced under the keyword "Michael Jackson x BTS" and quickly ignited discussions among global fan communities. Some fans pointed to BTS's long-standing admiration for Jackson, highlighted by their Dynamite choreography, which pays homage to his signature dance moves, to argue that the group would be a fitting choice for such a project. Michael Jackson's sister, Janet Jackson, and nephew, Taj Jackson, have publicly praised BTS in the past, noting the group's faithful tributes to the pop legend's artistry.

Despite the debunked tribute-album rumours, BTS's profile remains at an all-time high. The group recently landed at number 10 on the Billboard 200 with their live album Permission to Dance on Stage – LIVE, while several members continue to fulfill mandatory military service.

Fans worldwide are now looking ahead to the band's much-anticipated full-group comeback, slated for spring 2026, when BTS is expected to resume global promotions and embark on a new world tour.

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BTS
South Korea
Boy Group
Michael Jackson
Rumors

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