As new details emerge linking HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk to the circulation of a controversial industry report, the situation continues to stir debate.
On October 29th, Ilgan Sports reported that Bang Si Hyuk was involved in sharing a document within HYBE that harshly criticized the physical appearances of other K-pop idols. According to the report, Bang personally instructed that a new executive be added to the recipients of this document, which was distributed to HYBE’s top executives. However, it remains unclear whether Bang initially ordered the creation of the report.
The controversy began on the 24th when an internal HYBE document titled “Weekly Music Industry Report” was publicly revealed during a National Assembly hearing. Among its contents, the report included highly critical comments on rival idols, such as, “They debuted them all at their ugliest stage, and none of them have idol looks” and “Shockingly, none are attractive.”
In response, HYBE removed the report’s creator from his position, with CEO Lee Jae Sang issuing a formal apology. “The document was intended to compile industry trends and public reactions after the fact,” he stated. “However, we acknowledge that it included harsh and provocative language towards K-pop artists, along with personal opinions and judgments from the author. I fully accept responsibility on behalf of the company for this oversight.”
The document was allegedly written by Kang, editor-in-chief of Weverse Magazine, which is published by HYBE subsidiary Weverse Company. Kang, a cultural and music critic, previously worked as editor-in-chief for Ten Asia and has long-standing ties with Bang Si Hyuk, with whom he has often appeared on broadcast shows. Bang has even publicly praised Kang, amplifying interest in their connection.
Meanwhile, HYBE remains embroiled in a dispute over former Ador CEO Min Hee Jin’s allegations of a takeover attempt against her by HYBE, further fueling tensions within the company.
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