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Why are ARMYs against NFT as HYBE uses BTS to promote cryptocurrency?

'It’s a silent violation of creative license at the expense of the planet,' tweeted an ARMY

It looks like HYBE Labels is once again under fire. Their editors were previously called out for insulting Jimin during a BTS vlog and now their latest announcement has caused an uproar. On November 4, HYBE had a conference about their future projects in which they introduced their plan to start using NFT. With things going digital from art to sports, cryptocurrency is also gaining a huge backing. NFT (Non-fungible token) is a type of cryptocurrency.

NFT can be considered to be a digital receipt for digital products that use blockchain technology (a digital ledger) to verify an individual’s ownership of that product. With more and more different types of technologies being invented, the digital carbon footprint is also increasing. A lot of research has explained that using technology like NFT uses a lot of energy, which in the long-term is bad for the environment. With the HYBE announcement, ARMY have been asking as to what’s wrong with using hard cash and the purchase of physical products.

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Why are ARMY against NFT?

It should be noted that just a few months ago, BTS were invited to the UN where they promoted sustainability and pledged themselves to protect the environment. A single NFT transaction produces 34 kgs of carbon dioxide. Research has revealed that this amount of carbon footprint is more than what Denmark produces in a year. And while physical products and transactions also cause a toll on the environment, relatively they use less electricity and energy and are much safer than cryptocurrencies.

‘Shut this down’

With HYBE making BTS promote NFT and promising to go digital with their business, fans have banded together. ARMY have been trending #ARMYsAgainstNFT and #BoycottHybeNFT. They brought up research to explain why NFT is harmful, “No wonder why they have been tired and stuffs lately. Just stop using our boys for your profit. What they have said in the UN general is totally now opposite of this. HYBE just go and collect your brain where you dropped it.”

One ARMY explained why this was also damaging the art world, “BTS have promoted and are the faces of sustainability. This does not only harm their name but EXTREMELY hurt our environment also.” Another was worried about the consequences of this move, “And knowing that HYBE are such trendsetters in the industry now, I imagine that so many companies will follow suit as soon as HYBE is able to do this. They need to shut this down before it starts.”

One shared why they would prefer physical transactions especially when it comes to art, “This is probably the best explanation of NFTs I’ve ever read. Artists, musicians, photographers, creatives of any kind? Run away screaming. It’s a silent violation of creative license at the expense of the planet. If I want a commission? Cash will do fine thx.”