BTS is reportedly leaving Columbia Records for Universal Music Group

According to reports, K-pop sensation BTS, managed by HYBE, is parting ways with Sony's Columbia Records and moving to Universal Music Group, under a new deal.

This marks the end of the K-pop group’s three-year partnership with Sony Music, which had been signed in 2018. The boy band’s move to Universal is expected to come into effect from December 1.

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Reports suggest that Columbia chairman and CEO Ron Perry had never met HYBE founder and chairman Bang Si-hyuk, throughout their entire partnership, despite having flown to South Korea on many occasions to work on BTS’ music.

Interestingly, Perry had even co-written and produced BTS's English-language hit 'Butter', which was released earlier this year.

In other HYBE news, BTS' label Big Hit Music has announced its new online global auditions for 2021. The label, which is also home to boyband Tomorrow X Together, is “looking for individuals with talent and passion” to be “the next global superstar.”

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BTS’ latest single, “My Universe,” a collaboration with the group Coldplay, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was the sixth time that BTS topped the chart. “My Universe” came out via Coldplay’s label, Parlophone/Atlantic, which is part of Warner Music Group.