Ever since HYBE was summoned for a deeper investigation surrounding their national audit, the company continues to fall deeper and deeper into hot water.
The National Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee held a plenary session during the state audit at the National Assembly main building in Yeouido, Seoul on the 10th and summoned a list of witnesses and references to appear at the state audit held on the 22nd and 24th of October.
Now, the internet and Korean entertainment companies are in a frenzy over the revelation of HYBE’s ‘Music Trend Industry Report’ regarding the development of K-Pop and online trends. Vulgar and harsh comments were cited in the document distributed among Bang Si Hyuk, CEO Lee Jae Sang, CCO Park Tae Hee HYBE COO Kim Tae Ho (Belift CEO and a music critic who is also the editor-in-chief of Weverse Magazine) and other music critic executives.
The report collectively evaluated the K-Pop industry and current groups according to Kim Tae Ho. Once the inappropriate comments were leaked, the critiques appeared more as slander with comments such as, “No one is visually appealing,” “They are no better than a high-school dance club,” “Their performances are tacky and the synergy of their unattractiveness is disgusting and distracting,” and “some members are surprisingly unattractive.” Some comments were deemed too unnecessarily critical and vulgar to reveal to the public due to its criticism regarding idols plastic surgeries, health issues and private lives. Even comments regarding idols careers, donations, and interactions with fans were scrutinized in the reports.
Names of specific groups and idols who are minors were also mentioned. When questioned by Committee Representative Min Hyung Bae, CEO Kim Tae Ho fumbled with excuses saying, “Being involved in the K-pop industry, we closely monitor the opinions of fans and the industry regarding artists under HYBE and K-Pop in general. This document is part of that process.”
Kim Tae Ho further explained his side revealing “HYBE reviews countless material and I do not remember that document.” Kim further dissociated himself from the blame stating, “That document does not represent HYBE’s opinion or official judgement. It appears to be a compilation of various online writings.” When Min further provoked Kim Tae Ho replying, “HYBE created this ‘Music Trend Industry Report,’ so why are you saying other people are behind it?” Kim merely stated, “I’m not aware of the situations of other companies.” – again pushing off responsibility for the document that has been spread throughout HYBE’s employees and now made public.
Soon after the questioning during the audit, HYBE released an official statement on their website, “The data in question is simply a direct transcription of reactions from SNS and communities. HYBE will hold those accountable who leaked the report to the public, making it seem as if HYBE had created data criticizing the artists by piecing together only provocative content, to the very end.”
The Committee, being the ones who made the information public, questioned HYBE’s official statement asking who exactly they are trying to hold accountable and if HYBE is “looking down on the committee.” People Power Party Rep. Park Jeong Ha pointed out, “I am concerned about the statement, ‘We will hold accountable, to the end, those who leaked it to the public.’ Holding accountable to the end is an extremely threatening expression.” Kim Tae Ho apologized saying, “It was inappropriate to release a statement while the state audit was in progress, and I deeply apologize for that. However, the headquarters is flooded with inquiries from the press regarding the audit, and incorrect information was exposed to the community as well, so we wanted to prevent this further, not to disrespect the National Assembly with our statement. I once again deeply apologize for the misunderstanding.” Soon after, HYBE deleted the controversial statement.
With this attitude, fans are concerned for NewJeans’ Hanni who spoke up saying “Recently I saw on Blind, the [HYBE] employees cursing at NewJeans, and I heard the recording of the HYBE PR downplaying our Japan debut success. Seeing this it confirmed that what I was feeling wasn’t just a feeling I knew that [HYBE] hated us.”
Now fans are commenting on the situation stating that “If you think HYBE is the only company doing this, you are wrong,” “HYBE are upset because they were busted and are digging their own grave,” and “Reports claim disparaging material about aespa, ZEROBASEONE, and other groups are there,” and “I’m worried for what will happen to NewJeans Hanni after speaking up at the audit.” See the rest of the fan reactions here.
One of the most shocking moments from the recent National Assembly
HYBE released a statement (while the audit was still ongoing) threatening the people who exposed their internal report, when the ones who actually exposed it were the lawmakers themselves pic.twitter.com/eiiHqr0e5H
— shie (@shiecollects) October 26, 2024
newjeans already warned us but y’all refused to listen… pic.twitter.com/pD0GoZQH48
— shie (@shiecollects) October 26, 2024
HYBE’s internal report documents which were made public after the audit with the National Assembly showing HYBE focusing and criticizing ITZY’s YUNA, with descriptions focusing on her “se**al appeal” pic.twitter.com/dnhIdYLDSk
— ITZY Stats | GOLD ✨ (@midzystats) October 26, 2024
Internal documents revealed at the National Assembly Audit shows HYBE badmouthing a lot of groups including AESPA, BABYMONSTER, NMIXX, STRAY KIDS, NCT, WONDER GIRLS, TWICE, BLACKPINK and more…
the way they described these groups is disgusting, hybe really needs to be put down. pic.twitter.com/SJsdH3D9n6
— el (@baesdolls) October 26, 2024
As of late, HYBE and Kim Tae Ho released an official apology saying,”It was shared for the purpose of understanding the public opinion of the market, artists, and fans, but the contents of the document were very inappropriate. We acknowledge all the wrongs and responsibilities on behalf of the company for the provocative and critical expressions toward K-pop artists, and the addition of the author’s personal views and evaluations labeled as official documents.”
CEO Lee apologized to the artists mentioned in the documentasaying, “We are directly apologizing by contacting each agency separately. We are also sincerely apologizing to all artists of Hive Music Group, who are being criticized by the company.”
What do you think of the reports and shocking revelation of HYBE’s defamation against idols and industry professionals in their “Industry Report?” Should HYBE be held responsible and apologize or is what Kim Tae Ho saying true? Stay tuned for more updates regarding the audit and future of HYBE.
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