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Nate Walka Claims SM Entertainment Tried to Sabotage BTS for EXO’s Success

Last Updated: April 22, 2025, 10:42 IST

Insights from Nate Walka on BTS and EXO’s Early Competition

K-pop groups are renowned for their close relationships and camaraderie.

In recent years, South Korean culture, particularly K-pop, has garnered immense global attention, with groups like BTS and EXO leading the charge. These two boy bands have left a significant mark on the international music scene. In a recent discussion, Grammy-winning songwriter Nate Walka made revelations about the competitive dynamics between these groups during their formative years. He suggested that SM Entertainment, the powerhouse agency representing EXO, allegedly sought to diminish BTS’s visibility in the United States to pave the way for EXO’s success in the burgeoning global K-pop landscape.

These comments come at a time when K-pop artists are often viewed as part of an interconnected community. Speaking on *The Frankie Biggz Show*, Walka reflected on his experiences with BTS in 2014, during their participation in the reality series *American Hustle Life*, where they collaborated with various hip-hop influences in Los Angeles. He noted his admiration for the group from their early days, recalling how he was initially drawn to their work during the promotion of their *We Are Bulletproof* album.

“The first time I heard their music was with *We Are Bulletproof*, and that one video captivated me enough to get involved,” he explained. “During this time, there was a writing camp for a different group, and I was being encouraged not to collaborate with BTS. There were many skeptics who believed they were merely a temporary act,” he added, indicating the pressure that he faced from SM Entertainment to focus on EXO instead.

sm really tried to downplay bts during their rookie years because this is crazysm tried to get american hustle life to not have bts on the show because they doubted them and thought they were a filler group and called them an experiment….. pic.twitter.com/FJ6f5zEAiP

— hopeeeworld (@dimplelover875) April 20, 2025

Walka also elaborated on the skepticism surrounding BTS’s potential. “At that point, EXO had a chart-topping record, and I was pressured to choose them over BTS. They were saying things like, ‘Oh, BTS isn’t really worth your time…'” he continued, drawing attention to the bias present at the time.

Reflecting on his experience, Walka noted, “When I watched the BTS performance, it was evident that those doubting their ability lacked an understanding of the music and entertainment landscape. Among all the acts I encountered in K-pop, BTS truly distinguished themselves.”

sm really tried to downplay bts during their rookie years because this is crazy

sm tried to get american hustle life to not have bts on the show because they doubted them and thought they were a filler group and called them an experiment….. pic.twitter.com/FJ6f5zEAiP

— hopeeeworld

As Walka’s revelations circulate online, reactions among fans and the ARMY community vary, with many expressing indignation over the underestimation BTS faced during their initial stages. Additionally, as the members of BTS prepare to reunite in 2025 following their mandatory military service, their global influence remains as strong as ever, regardless of the past obstacles.

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www.news18.com