HYBE Corporation, the entertainment giant behind popular K-pop groups like BTS, NewJeans, and SEVENTEEN, has sparked controversy after leaked internal documents revealed controversial comments about its own artists. The leak, which includes what has been labeled as the ‘Music Industry Weekly Trend Reports,’ initially appeared to consist of external online comments, but further investigation suggests that some derogatory remarks were written by HYBE employees themselves. The situation has drawn widespread criticism from netizens, who have expressed disappointment, anger, and distrust toward the company.

Controversial Leaks Reveal Alleged Plans for Artists

The documents, which became widely circulated online, reportedly contain disparaging remarks aimed at certain idol groups within HYBE’s portfolio. Among the most shocking details, the documents allegedly outline intentions to “dispose of NewJeans,” a popular rookie girl group managed by HYBE’s subsidiary ADOR. This phrasing, as noted by many fans and industry insiders, has raised concerns about how some artists are treated and viewed within HYBE, sparking allegations that certain groups receive preferential treatment over others.

The initial reports suggested that the document merely collected comments from external online sources. However, it later emerged that some of the remarks within the report were written by HYBE employees. This revelation has led to a deeper public outcry, as fans and netizens feel these statements reflect internal biases and potentially harmful intentions toward specific artists. While the original intent and context of these comments remain unclear, many have voiced frustration with what they perceive as a lack of professionalism and respect toward HYBE’s own talent.

Netizens’ Reactions: Calls for Accountability and Fair Treatment

Social media has been flooded with comments from netizens outraged by the contents of the leaked documents. The idea that employees would make derogatory remarks about their own artists has struck a nerve with fans, many of whom are demanding accountability from HYBE’s management. The statements, viewed as unprofessional and damaging, have also fueled concerns about the well-being and future of some of the idols associated with the company. Netizens on online forums and social media expressed their shock and disappointment in strong terms:

Netizen Comments:

• “Bullshitting about disposing of NewJeans? Is it even the girls’ company?”
• “Malicious comments in the form of a report. HYBE is really pathetic.”
• “They call that a report? This is seriously so harsh.”
• “Is it a report or malicious comments because it’s easily confusable.”
• “The level is just unbearable. It really feels like HYBE has clear favorites and non-favorites among their own idols. Those idols are just perfect for gaslighting. Seriously, they’re the great evil of the entertainment industry.”
• “This is just too much. Low quality.”
• “This is absolute trash. They’re spewing their delusions with such poor wording. Aside from the wording, they can’t analyze anything properly. Their analysis is just one-dimensional nonsense, and even that’s wrong.”
• “Min Hee Jin didn’t say anything wrong.”
• “It’s so low class and pathetic that I don’t even know what to say. I can imagine them talking among themselves, and it makes me want to laugh.”

These reactions reflect not only disappointment but a deeper level of distrust in HYBE’s treatment and management of its artists, especially given the agency’s global influence and high-profile reputation.

HYBE’s Silence and Its Impact on the Public’s Perception

As of now, HYBE has not released an official response to the backlash regarding the leaked documents. The lack of a prompt response has fueled further criticism, as many expect the company to address the public’s concerns openly and take responsibility for the contents of the report. Some fans have also called for a formal apology and clear measures to ensure fair treatment for all artists under the HYBE umbrella. This situation has raised questions about the internal culture at HYBE and the attitudes of higher management toward its own talent.

The incident also underscores the high level of scrutiny placed on K-pop agencies in general, as fans increasingly expect transparency, fairness, and professionalism. In a highly competitive industry, the treatment of artists can significantly impact a company’s reputation and future success, especially as K-pop continues to expand its reach worldwide. For now, fans of groups like NewJeans are closely watching to see how HYBE handles the controversy and whether changes will be made to prevent similar incidents.

For more updates on HYBE’s internal documents controversy, tune in to Vviptimes.

(source: theqoo)