[instiz] CORTIS’ CHINESE FANS IN A CONTROVERSY FOR FAKING THEIR ALBUM SALES

May 27, 2026

Hello, this is the Hanteo Chart team.

In response to the many questions recently raised by fans in China and around the world, we would like to issue the following official statement.

1. Key Facts and Violations

– Regarding Star River: Star River is not an officially affiliated company of Hanteo Chart.

– Regarding Apple Music: Although Apple Music is officially affiliated with Hanteo Chart, a review of the relevant transaction records found violations of Hanteo Chart regulations, and the submitted data lacked credibility.

– Unrecognized proxy sales: Hanteo Chart only recognizes sales data conducted directly by affiliated companies. Going forward, “proxy sales” generated through transactions with global fan groups will not be reflected in the chart data.

– Delay in final data announcement: We are currently reviewing the above violations and verifying sales data, so the release of the final data may take additional time.

2. Future Response and Improvement Plans

We plan to implement three measures to reduce confusion among Chinese and global fan communities and improve fairness:

a) Dedicated customer service channels: We will establish independent communication channels to promptly address issues encountered by Chinese and global fans.

b) Operation of an official community: We will operate an official communication platform to provide accurate and objective ranking information for China.

c) Designation of official retailers in China: To improve data reliability, we are preparing to designate independent official retailers for Chinese fans.

In summary, this issue arose from violations related to unclear “proxy sales” methods.

We are currently re-examining the relevant data and comprehensively evaluating the feasibility of establishing dedicated customer service centers, communities, and official sales channels for global fans in order to prevent the many complaints that have occurred previously.

We will continue striving to become a better Hanteo Chart.

Thank you.

1. Even among Chinese netizens, there’s been noise over how it’s rigged for a while already

2. There were so many people claiming “There’s no way it’s rigged and that they’re indeed rising stars. This backfired

3. Huh…? I thought they “definitely didn’t rig”?

4. Wow, I thought it was real since those Chinese mass purchase groups released receipts. So it wasn’t?

5. ????

6. Is this true? It’s not AI?

7. I thought they even posted receipts. What is this?

8. HYBE were caught pushing albums in Japan too no? ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

9. Do they need to really need to go this far to prove their results?

10. So they’re starting their album push and their sajaegi again