HYBE is currently facing backlash following the leak of an internal document suggesting that the agency may have subscribed to Sojang, a YouTube channel known for disseminating defamatory content about several K-pop idols, including members of BTS and EXO. The revelation has sparked outrage among fans, raising serious questions about HYBE’s involvement with the channel.

Leaked Report Sparks Outrage

On October 24, a Music Industry Weekly Trend Report from HYBE was revealed during a state audit in the South Korean National Assembly. This document, which has since gone viral on social media, indicated that the agency allegedly subscribed to Sojang, a channel that has faced multiple lawsuits for its controversial content. Fans reacted swiftly, condemning HYBE for engaging with a platform that targets its own artists.

“How can HYBE support a channel that spreads lies about BTS members? This is unacceptable!” one fan expressed on social media.

The leaked document reportedly included information related to a JYP Entertainment group, with many speculating that the group in question is NMIXX. This speculation only intensified the already heated discussions among K-pop fans regarding HYBE’s practices.

Sojang’s Incriminating Past

Amidst the controversy, an old post from Sojang resurfaced, in which the YouTuber claimed, “We are honored to be subscribed to personally by one of the major entertainment companies. …It’s one of the following — SM, YG, JYP, HYBE.” This statement has fueled further speculation about HYBE’s affiliation with the channel.

Fans and industry observers have pointed out that this connection is particularly troubling given that BTS members V and Jungkook have previously taken legal action against Sojang’s founder, Ms. Park, for defamation and slander. The irony of HYBE possibly gathering information from a source that has actively harmed their artists has not gone unnoticed.

There are also some suspicions that the agency might have used that information from Sojang to fuel viral rumors about other groups, noting that the leaked content revealed HYBE’s defamatory reports on other artists.

Response From Netizens

The reaction from the K-pop community has been overwhelmingly negative, with many fans demanding accountability from HYBE for allegedly aligning with a channel that has caused significant distress to their idols. The situation raises crucial questions about the ethical responsibilities of entertainment companies in managing their public relations and the sources they choose to engage with.

Legal Troubles for Sojang

The controversy surrounding Sojang is compounded by Ms. Park’s ongoing legal issues. She recently attended a sentencing hearing at the Incheon District Court, where she faces a potential four-year prison sentence and a fine of 2 million KRW under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection. The charges stem from her production of defamatory content aimed at various K-pop idols, including V, Jungkook, EXO’s Suho, IVE’s Jang Wonyoung, and Kang Daniel.

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