HYBE countered this by explaining that the reporter had incorrectly stated that over 1.02 million albums were sold "in Japan alone," when most of the sales were in Korea, not Japan. The agency said they only sought to correct misinformation and had no reason to minimize NewJeans' success.
Following his appearance on the show, the reporter has faced ongoing attacks from HYBE supporters.
According to a NewJeans fan account, NewJeansSTRM, false rumors have been spreading about reporter Jang Hyung Woo. NewJeansSTRM explained, "After the broadcast, we received reports that rumors about journalist Jang Hyung Woo are spreading among other reporters...HYBE and some of its supportive communities are attacking journalist Jang Hyung Woo both internally and externally through various channels. We suspect these efforts are organized. They are fabricating baseless rumors and spreading false information about him to distort the essence of his report. However, such low-level media tactics will not cover up HYBE's misconduct."
Today, on Kim Hyun Jung's News Show radio program, journalist Jang Hyung Woo exposed 'HYBE's media control.'
After the broadcast, we received reports that incredible rumors about journalist Jang Hyung Woo were spreading among other reporters.
Journalist Jang Hyung Woo is one of the individuals who provided us with information on HYBE's misconduct. Aside from that, he has no other connection to us.
He also has no ties to former CEO Min Hee Jin and has never met her. He is not a fan of any particular artist. He reported HYBE's misconduct solely to uphold journalistic ethics.
Journalist Jang Hyung Woo is highly regarded within the Industrial Department of the 'Seoul Shinmun,' to the extent that management, including the desk, discouraged his transfer. He was already in the process of changing jobs prior to this revelation. He decided to go public with his report after watching a NewJeans live performance.
Furthermore, while he was once assigned to the same reporting beat as HYBE's head of public relations, Cho Sung Hoon (back when over 100 companies were covered by the Ministry of Economy and Finance), they have never even shared a meal together.
HYBE and some of its supportive communities are attacking journalist Jang Hyung Woo indiscriminately through various channels. We suspect these efforts are organized. They are fabricating baseless rumors and spreading false information about him to distort the essence of his report. However, such low-level media tactics will not cover up HYBE's misconduct.
The truth cannot be concealed with lies. It's amusing how similar this is to the way they attacked (Dolphiners Films) Director Shin Woo Seok. Rather than wasting energy on such childish and absurd public opinion warfare, HYBE should properly prepare an explanation for their actions of 'co-optation.' Will they once again mobilize cyber trolls to attack the messenger instead of addressing the message?
As executives, please show responsible leadership in managing the company.
We at Team Bernice will do our utmost to protect journalist Jang Hyung Woo, who courageously came forward with public interest disclosures despite the attacks. We are also grateful to the reporters who expressed concern for his safety."
Korean netizens have voiced their support for the reporter while strongly criticizing HYBE supporters who are attacking him.
“How much more dirty will HYBE get in their desperate attempts to bury one person? I hope they go belly up."
"This is an all-time low. They'll go down in entertainment history as disgraceful."
"It’s not even surprising anymore, they’re as dirty as I thought they would be."
"Wow, this is insane, lol."
"HYBE isn't a company, it's a gang. I hope they go bankrupt."
"What's with the blind loyalty to big corporations... Just say you want to marry Bang Si Hyuk."
"It’s not the first time an entertainment company has gone this far. What gives them the confidence to act out like this?"
"I’m really angry. I don’t listen to any HYBE songs except NewJeans, so I can’t even boycott them."
"What’s with the weird vibe? Why do HYBE supporters make me cringe so much?"
"Please, boycott HYBE..."
"Wow, they’re doing everything they can to destroy one reporter."
"HYBE can’t attack directly, so they post anonymously on the Girls Planet gallery and stir up conspiracy theories, encouraging unpaid trolls to spread them around. Do they really think no one knows?”
"I support this reporter, hope it's not too hard for him."
"I'm sure he thought about the repercussions before exposing HYBE. Fighting."
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