HYBE has addressed the public regarding the recent controversy surrounding a leaked internal “music industry report.” The company’s new CEO Lee Jae Sang issued a lengthy statement about the controversial internal document.
HYBE CEO Addresses Controversial Internal Document
On October 29, Lee Jae Sang addressed the shocking document containing several malicious comments about K-pop artists from other companies. In his statement, Lee Jae Sang expressed deep regret over the situation, emphasizing HYBE’s commitment to maintaining professional standards in the industry. He acknowledged the content’s inappropriateness and vowed to take internal measures to ensure such an incident does not recur, aiming to restore trust with both artists and fans.
“This document was created as part of a process to retrospectively gather various reactions and public opinions on industry trends and issues. Although it was intended to be shared only with a limited number of leaders to understand market and fan sentiments, the content was highly inappropriate. The document contained provocative and explicit expressions directed at K-pop artists, included personal opinions and evaluations of the author, and was preserved in written form.
“As the representative of the company, I acknowledge all the mistakes and take full responsibility. I am particularly sorry and distressed about the unfounded suspicions of reverse viral marketing that are not true at all, causing misunderstandings and harm to innocent artists and individuals.
“I formally and respectfully apologize to the external artists mentioned in the document who have suffered damage and distress. We are also reaching out to each agency individually to offer our apologies directly. Additionally, I am also sincerely extending an official apology to all the artists of HYBE Music Group who have been subjected to criticism due to the company.”
“I acknowledge the lack of awareness among the leadership who received the document and, as CEO, I have immediately halted the creation of such monitoring documents. I promise to establish guidelines and strengthen internal controls to prevent such issues from occurring again,” he added.
What’s in the Shocking Document?
During the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee audit on October 24, it came to light that HYBE had been circulating a weekly document containing sensitive and allegedly malicious commentary about artists from rival agencies such as SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and others. This document, totaling approximately 18,000 pages, reportedly contained disparaging remarks about other artists’ appearances and skills, unverified rumors, and discussions on potential viral marketing strategies aimed at undermining competitors.
Approximately 20 pages of this document have been fully leaked online, leading to significant public outcry. It didn’t take long before netizens began speaking up about the shocking content. Even other idols addressed the criticism in the document.
Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan voiced his own response on Instagram, showing solidarity with those affected and condemning the reports. Fans and the public continue to demand accountability, urging for transparency and change in the industry’s internal practices.