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On October 29, 2024, Daily Sports reported that HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk was allegedly involved in sharing the company's controversial internal report with its top executives. The 18,000-page document was disclosed by Min Hyun-bae, the representative from the Democratic Party of Korea, at the National Assembly audit on October 24.
The document reportedly contained disparaging comments against K-pop groups like Stray Kids, BLACKPINK, IVE, NCT, NCT Dream, and more. The internal document also hinted at HYBE allegedly being aware of the hate simmering against BTS' Jimin, Jungkook, Taehyung, and the K-pop band SEVENTEEN's members.
Furthermore, KBIZoom reported that SEVENTEEN's Mingyu and Jeon Somi's alleged dating rumors were also included in the scandalous report.
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Subsequently, this invited the ire of the K-pop fandom, as they lashed out at the label for the controversial internal report that included demeaning comments against Stray Kid's Changbin's height, alleging that BLACKPINK lacks talent compared to LE SSERAFIM, and more.
Although the label's CEO, Lee Jae-sang, issued an apology on October 29, taking full responsibility for the ongoing controversy and ensuring fans that they would reflect on the situation, the K-pop community demanded Bang Si-hyuk take accountability as well.
One fan wrote on X:
"He legit ruined everything."
Netizens flooded X and mentioned they were "tired" of seeing everyone apologize except Bang Si-hyuk.
"When will this man stop pushing random people out to face the consequences and start taking responsibility? Imagine how tired we are to see apologies from everyone but him," a netizen wrote.
"No wonder that back in August all articles ab bsh and his girlies were deleted, while every defamatory article ab Yoongi remained, and Hybe never took any actions against journalists spreading fake cctv, info ab that stupid challenge and all other lies," another user added.
"We pre-hybe kpop fans did try to warn others on how this man would ruin the industry but we were just called pressed and dramatic. We've been right all along and what we feared and predicted became all true. He's like the super villain of a movie and I can't wait for his downfall," a fan said.
Others asserted that Bang Si-hyuk was involved in the creation and sharing of the internal document, as he is the founder and chairman of the company.
"At this point if you STILL REFUSE TO BOYCOTT, you’re not just part of the problem. You ARE the problem. And we need to get rid of you like just we do with the parasites running these ent. companies and exploiting their idols," one fan commented.
"Of course he was aware and involved. Nothing happens in Hybe without his knowledge and vetto. Whoever doubted this has never worked a day in their life in a corporation. I am just wondering why he became so sloppy in his evilness to be caught this way. Greed & power combo?" another fan said.
"Let's not forget that the report included comments about minors so disgusting the Assembly members refused to make them public. POS," one other user noted.
HYBE CEO Lee Jae-sang apologizes for the ongoing controversy
On October 29, Daily Sports reported that HYBE CEO Lee Jae-sang, who was appointed as the label head in July 2024 after replacing Park Ji-won, apologized for the internal document. He further asserted that the document was a compilation of fan comments left on social media platforms.
However, he acknowledged that the report was derogatory and inappropriate. Furthermore, the HYBE executive who created the report was fired on October 29, according to Daily Sports. Lee Jae-sang said in his apology:
"I bow my head and apologize to our artists, industry insiders, and fans regarding our monitoring document. The document was written in the process of compiling various reactions and public opinions regarding industry trends and issues after the fact. It was shared with only some leadership...but the content of the document was highly inappropriate."
He added that the person who created the internal report also added his personal views in the document, which were later not removed. Lee Jae-sang further stated that he has been contacting other entertainment agencies and personally apologizing, saying:
"I acknowledge all wrongdoings on behalf of the company and feel responsible for the fact that provocative and crude expressions toward K-pop artists were included, the fact that the writer's personal views and evaluations were added, and the fact that the content was left in the document. I am contacting each agency separately and apologizing directly."
Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN's Seungkwan posted a letter on Instagram expressing his frustration amid the ongoing controversy. The K-pop idol stated that artists are not "items" to be used to fit into everyone's narratives.
