Statement follows reports linking the group to a project developed at Ireland’s Grouse Lodge Studios
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Recent reports claiming that South Korean supergroup BTS recorded a song for an upcoming Michael Jackson tribute album have been officially debunked.
A representative of Hybe, the label behind BTS, issued a statement to Rolling Stone India clarifying that the group has no connection to the project, despite growing speculation fueled by international media outlets.
“We’d like to clarify that the rumors regarding BTS’s participation in a Michael Jackson tribute album are not true,” a representative said. “The group is not involved in the project in any capacity.”
The rumors began after The Irish Sun published an article citing Paddy Dunning, owner of the Grouse Lodge recording studio in County Westmeath, Ireland. Dunning claimed that BTS had previously recorded a track as part of a tribute album and documentary honoring Jackson’s five-month stay at the studio in 2006. The late King of Pop had reportedly been working on a comeback project during that time.
“The sessions started last year and we have already had the Korean boy band BTS over with us in Grouse Lodge, recording one of the songs,” Dunning told the outlet, adding, “There’s about ten more, written especially for Michael by the collaborators he worked with in Ireland—including producer Rodney Jerkins and rapper Nephew, who have signed up for the project.”
The story quickly spread across global fan communities and news outlets, with many citing Dunning’s comments as confirmation of BTS’s involvement.
However, Hybe’s firm denial discredits all such reports, confirming that neither BTS nor any of its members have participated in the tribute in any form. No details were provided about how the misinformation originated or whether BTS had ever been approached for the project.
Meanwhile, BTS remains focused on its long-anticipated return as a full group. All seven members—RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—have completed their mandatory military service, with a group comeback officially confirmed for 2026.
A new BTS album is currently in production, and the band is expected to embark on a global tour next year—their first since the Permission to Dance on Stage run in 2022. In July, BTS also reunited for a special Weverse livestream, which attracted over seven million viewers, signaling just how eager fans are for their return.