Zico recently addressed the controversy surrounding his alleged access to HYBE’s “music industry report.” The KOZ Entertainment CEO spoke up after allegedly being sent copies of the controversial HYBE document.
Zico Denies Having Access to Controversial HYBE Document
In an Instagram Story posted to his account, Zico wrote, “I have never seen the document in question, nor have I ever opened the email itself.”
“I only found out that I was added as a recipient through today’s report,” he added. “To prevent any further misunderstandings, I directly requested KOZ to verify that I have not opened any of the emails or documents, and they confirmed this.”
How Did Zico Get Involved?
The issue came to light during a National Assembly audit on October 24, where it was revealed that HYBE executives had circulated an 18,000-page document containing disparaging remarks, unverified rumors, and details on planned viral marketing tactics targeting artists from rival agencies such as SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment. About 20 pages of the report were leaked online, igniting public backlash and an apology from HYBE CEO Lee Jae Sang on October 29.
On October 30, the controversy deepened when media outlet Hankyoreh published details implicating HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk. According to email records obtained by Hankyoreh, Bang Si Hyuk had personally requested that Zico be added as a recipient of the weekly report.
The emails indicate that on January 6, 2022, Bang directed the report’s author, Kang Myung Seok, former head of Weverse Magazine, to ensure Zico received the document. The report’s recipient list already included HYBE’s top executives and C-level leaders at subsidiary labels, including Kim Joo Young, who was then the Chief Human Resources Officer and is currently CEO of ADOR.
As the CEO of KOZ Entertainment, which operates under HYBE, Zico was thus reportedly included among those receiving the “music industry report.” However, Zico has clarified that although he was added to the distribution list, he did not actively participate in reviewing or endorsing the content. In his statement, he emphasized that he was not involved in compiling or approving any comments within the report and stated his disappointment over the report’s content, highlighting the importance of integrity and mutual respect in the industry.