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Industry sources reveal HYBE has yet to apologize to the entertainment companies mentioned in the controversial 'Industry Trend Report'

AKP STAFF

Posted by Sophie-Ha Thursday, November 7, 2024 7,030

m.entertain.naver.com

HYBE, Korea's top entertainment company by market capitalization, has shifted from being a shining beacon into the industry’s “black sheep.” Not only has it lost favor with K-pop fandoms, but even other entertainment industry figures are distancing themselves from the company. HYBE, however, seems to be waiting for the situation to resolve itself rather than addressing the root of the problem.

The current backlash against HYBE began when an internal report containing blunt comments on the appearances of idols from competing agencies like SM, JYP, and YG—as well as smaller agencies—was leaked. The controversy escalated after this report surfaced during a National Assembly audit, and additional unreleased parts of the report began circulating online.

The criticism intensified after Seungkwan, a member of Seventeen under HYBE’s Pledis label, posted a statement condemning the situation. He wrote, “We are not people who should be judged or talked about casually,” and urged people not to treat idols lightly, saying, “We are not your items to use as you please.”

Some fan communities have since launched a boycott against HYBE. Fans of various groups are promoting hashtags like “Boycott HYBE” and “Leave HYBE.” Seventeen’s fanbase, in particular, is actively participating in a national petition requesting the Ministry of Employment and Labor to revoke HYBE’s “Best Job Creator” award.

Industry insiders, too, have expressed discomfort. One source stated, “It’s beyond shocking to see a top company like HYBE produce and share a report filled with such crude content. HYBE claimed they would call and apologize to each company mentioned, but no action has been taken—it seems they intend to just brush it off.”

Previously, in response to the uproar, HYBE CEO Lee Jae Sang released a statement, saying, “The document was compiled retrospectively to collect various responses and public opinions on industry trends and issues.” He explained that it was “shared only with certain leaders to assess market and fan sentiment, but the contents were highly inappropriate,” and he promised to contact the agencies mentioned and apologize.

Another industry source commented, “The K-pop scene has been criticized for commoditizing idols, and there’s been an ongoing effort to improve conditions. But HYBE’s leaked document makes it feel like all those efforts were in vain. The fact that this document circulated internally for so long without criticism reflects HYBE’s values.”

The source continued, “HYBE artists have influence, so there will still be demand for collaborations or joint stages. But knowing that HYBE might use anything said about our artists to elevate their position is unsettling. Many in the industry are already saying, ‘Let’s avoid dealing with HYBE.’ I hope this document doesn’t reduce the K-pop scene as a whole to a low-grade culture.”

With the recent controversy adding to complaints about high prices for albums and merchandise, inadequate protection for artists, and the ongoing dispute with former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, HYBE’s reputation has reached an all-time low among industry insiders, fandoms, and even its artists.

Despite this, HYBE has not issued any further statements following CEO Lee’s apology. Chairman Bang Si Hyuk, who allegedly authorized the report’s distribution, remains silent, staying behind the executive team. In a situation rife with doubt and suspicion, his silence only fuels further mistrust.

Korean netizens responded: