Amid allegations that Bang Si Hyuk had neglected NewJeans and even ignored the members' greetings, a conversation about his relationship with LE SSERAFIM has surfaced online. The online post highlighted the close relationship between HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk and LE SSERAFIM.
Back in February, Huh Yunjin and Sakura appeared on the web show 'Eunchae's Style Diary' hosted by fellow member Hong Eunchae. During the segment, they responded to various fan questions, to which one fan asked which LE SSERAFIM member was the closest to Chairman Bang Si Hyuk. They decided to test this by sending him text messages and seeing who gets a reply first.
Before sending her message, Hong Eun Chae expressed nervousness, asking, "I'm so nervous. I don't need to get a reply, so can I just not send any messages?" The other two members laughed.
Sakura was the first to message Chairman Bang, asking about their "EASY" activities. Huh Yunjin, along with a selfie, thanked him for his hard work on the album. Hong Eunchae asked if he had seen their "EASY" performance and reminded him to take care of his health.
During the chat, Hong Eunchae excitedly announced receiving a message from Chairman Bang. It took her 40 minutes to receive a reply. Sakura, receiving a reply a minute earlier, also received three messages.
Huh Yoonjin received a reply in 39 minutes, along with four messages, which garnered attention. The video initially received positive reactions, with viewers finding it characteristic of LE SSERAFIM and appreciating the members' cute reactions. They initially commented, "This is very LE SSERAFIM-like" and "The members' reactions are so cute."
However, amidst reports of Chairman Bang's alleged mistreatment of NewJeans, netizens have given a different reaction. Many drew comparisons between how Chairman Bang treats NewJeans and LE SSERAFIM. They commented, "I guess he is on good terms with LE SSERAFIM unlike with NewJeans."
On May 13, a media outlet released a letter from NewJeans' parents addressed to HYBE. Of particular interest was the allegation of mistreatment toward NewJeans by HYBE. The parents claimed that Chairman Bang did not greet NewJeans members when they crossed paths.
They also expressed disappointment over NewJeans being prepared as HYBE's first girl group but being overshadowed by LE SSERAFIM's debut. They emphasized the broken promises and neglect endured by NewJeans during their time as trainees.
However, HYBE refuted the claims, stating that Chairman Bang never refused to greet NewJeans members and expressing regret over dragging both NewJeans and their parents into the matter.
SEE ALSO: Netizens sign petition to remove HYBE from "major business group" status to strip its tax privileges
What a circus this whole thing has become.