It looks as if there’s drama round each nook these days in Okay-pop, so possibly it’s acceptable than on-line retailer KTown4U is beefing with Hanteo International.
KTown4U put out a press release on Twitter saying they despatched gross sales information to Hanteo International like at all times, however Hanteo International didn’t replace their chart to mirror these gross sales. When questioned they demanded private info of shoppers, claiming it was obligatory for verification, which KTown4U opposed on privateness grounds.
[NOTICE] Ktown4u is Dedicated to Defending Our Clients’ Private Data at All Instances. pic.twitter.com/GcVdSkVF2i
— Ktown4u_com (@Ktown4u_com) September 2, 2024
In response, Hanteo International launched a assertion that implies they think gross sales fraud to spice up numbers. They are saying they respect privateness and have NDAs in place
Hanteo Chart, operated by Hanteo International, has been part of Korea’s Okay-pop historical past, dwelling as much as its title as ‘the inspiration of Korean music.’ We at all times try to supply probably the most correct and dependable charts.
Nonetheless, we’ve acquired studies and noticed indications that the information offered by Ktown4U might comprise ‘information contamination,’ resembling duplicated gross sales counts or intentional inflation of numbers. To deal with these issues, we quickly suspended the inclusion of this information and requested extra info to confirm the integrity of the gross sales.
Hanteo International additionally understands the significance of defending private info, so we solely requested the minimal obligatory particulars. Nonetheless, as a result of some member info was unavoidably required, we have been negotiating an NDA (Non-Disclosure Settlement) for the data trade.
Sadly, Ktown4U declined our request for cooperation and as a substitute issued a unilateral assertion, which we discover regarding.
Because of this, we at the moment can’t totally belief the gross sales information from Ktown4U. To Embody information with out correct verification wouldn’t be in the most effective curiosity of our firm, the artists, or their followers.
If, after going by the integrity verification course of, it’s confirmed that there are not any points with the information offered by Ktown4U, it is going to be included in our charts as anticipated.
For the sake of the artists who’re working arduous to ship nice music and performances, and for the followers who help them, we sincerely urge Ktown4U to supply correct and dependable information.
I do suppose privateness rights should be precedence over sajaegi/fraud by corporations, and if Hanteo are violating worldwide regulation right here, then that appears fairly open and shut. If it’s unlawful then it’s unlawful, in any case, and Hanteo must be punished accordingly.
That stated, I discover it considerably fascinating that this simply appears to be one in style store that appears to have an issue. Maybe extra shops will come out following this, but when not, it appears like Hanteo is barely taking this motion as a result of they suppose one thing’s fishy with KTown4U’s numbers specifically. Would that shock me? After all not, I already assume it occurs, particularly after the gross sales “growth” lately. That stated, we actually don’t know a lot at this stage, so I’ll attempt to sustain with any updates.