Nate Walka Claims SM Entertainment Tried To ‘Sabotage’ BTS For EXO’s Success

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

Nate Walka worked with the BTS members during the 2014 reality show, American Hustle Life.

Over the past decade, South Korean culture has captured global attention, with K-pop music leading the charge and amassing a massive international fan base. Among the most influential names in the industry are BTS and EXO, both of whom have achieved remarkable success with their music. Recently, Grammy-winning songwriter Nate Walka made headlines by shedding light on the early days of these two powerhouse groups. In a candid revelation, he claimed that SM Entertainment, the agency behind EXO, allegedly tried to block BTS’s early exposure in the American market. According to Walka, this was done to give EXO a competitive edge in building their international presence during K-pop’s global rise.

The remarks come at a time when K-pop groups are known for sharing a strong camaraderie, including close-knit friendships among members. Speaking on The Frankie Biggz Show, Walka recalled interacting with BTS in 2014, around the time when the boy group took part in the reality show American Hustle Life and spent time with a few hip-hop tutors in Los Angeles. Stating that he was impressed with the group from their We Are Bulletproof album days, Walka revealed how he had keenly collaborated on the show.

“The first interaction of their music was We Are Bulletproof, and just watching that one video got me on board to do this. It was interesting because there was a writing camp for a different group, and their camp was trying to get me not to work with BTS. There were a lot of doubters, thinking they were a filler group,” he said, referring to how SM Entertainment tried to persuade him to work with EXO instead.

“I believe EXO had, like, a number one record at the time, and their camp even tried to get me to not do the show and instead work with EXO. They were like, ‘Oh, you know. BTS, they’re not, you know…” he continued.

Walka also highlighted how there were a lot of doubts around the group’s success and added, “When I watched the BTS video, it became clear that those who were doubting truly didn’t comprehend what music and entertainment are all about. Among everything I had encountered in the K-pop scene, BTS really stood out to me.”

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

With Walka’s claims now making rounds online, fans and ARMYs are left divided, with many BTS supporters expressing rage over the underestimation and opposition that the group faced during their early years. It is worth mentioning that the members of BTS are set to reunite in 2025, with the group ready to complete their mandatory military services. Despite the brief hiatus from music, their global impact remains unaffected.