“Makes sense why Jungkook and Taehyung had to sue her themselves” — Fans furious over alleged Sojang references in HYBE’s internal reports

On Monday, October 28, 2024, reports of HYBE allegedly following Sojang's YouTube channel went viral on the Korean online platform, Instiz. Reportedly, a screenshot of HYBE's internal document from the National Assembly Audit was uploaded on the platform, allegedly showing that the corporation followed the YouTube account of Taldeok Detention Center by Sojang.

For the unversed, Sojang is a YouTuber who reportedly released defaming videos on BTS' Taehyung, Jungkook, IVE's Wonyoung, ATEEZ, aespa, and more K-pop idol groups and its members. In 2023, IVE's Wonyoung sued Sojang for defamation with 100 million KRW in damages and won the lawsuit.

In 2022, BIGHIT MUSIC filed a lawsuit against Sojang for defamation and obstruction of business. The investigation was reportedly suspended by the court, however, BIGHIT MUSIC (BTS' label under HYBE Corporation) pursued their lawsuit and filed another civil lawsuit in 2023.

Later, in August 2024, BTS' Taehyung and Jungkook filed additional lawsuits on Sojang seeking 90 million KRW in damages. Meanwhile, the Instiz post included a screenshot from Sojang's channel where the YouTuber reportedly stated that a "big agency" signed up for her channel. She wrote in her statement:

"Hello. This is Sojang. It’s an honor that a big agency has signed up for the Sojang membership. This video is a 'Special Grade' release and can be viewed at the link below! Additionally, we have opened a 'Special Grade' membership where you can have a 1:1 conversation with me (Telegram)"

Netizens noted that the latest internal report, revealed at the National Assembly Audit, reportedly contained Sojang's name. They speculated that the label could have been the "big agency" that Sojang had previously mentioned.

One X user claimed that this could be the reason why Taehyung and Jungkook had to sue Sojang themselves and wrote:

"Now it makes sense why Jungkook and Taehyung had to sue her themselves..."

Internet users flooded X and lashed out at the label for the alleged internal report revealed at the National Assembly Audit. The report was disclosed on October 24, 2024, and was reportedly 18,000 pages.

"I get why bts members sued her by themselves cause hybe was actually enjoying the drama that she was creating!" an X user wrote.

"So a certain company was backing up sojang all these years..now everything make so much sense.. cuz why all the companies in industry failed to sue sojang until wonyoung had to spent her own money hired her personal lawyer to work with the US law firm.." another user wrote.

"The way sojang said nastiest thing about hybe own groups like I will never forget how they body shamed and the whole transphobic comments against my bias disgusting and shameless company," another user said.

Others claimed that this act was a "breach of trust" as the label was allegedly "spreading hateful comments internally" about their own artists and other K-pop groups. A few netizens asked why the label would follow Sojang when they had also sued the YouTuber several times.

"This should be breach of trust lol imagine spreading hateful comments internally abt ur artists from the exact person whom ur artists r suing," one X user commented.

"Isn't sojang litterly being sued by Hybe artists??? Why tf would they use her as a source when she's targeting them aswell??" another user added.

"No wonder HYBE did not sue Sojang while all other agencies sued on behalf of their artist. Even SM who we knew as a mess up agency too sued her on behalf of their idols! And we also know NJs parents want to sue Dispatch but HYBE was against it since they got ties w/ them too." another user wrote.

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A netizen filed a report against HYBE

Sports Kyunghyang reported that a netizen filed a report against HYBE to the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office, Western Branch, on October 25, 2024. The complaint included a portion of the label's 'Music Industry Report' and alleged that it hasn't followed its own written code of conduct.

The complaint focused on NewJeans' alleged bullying and mistreatment at the label. NewJeans is a rookie girl group from ADOR, a subsidiary label under HYBE.

Meanwhile, the netizen reportedly wrote in the complaint that the code of conduct is not followed inside the label and the Ministry of Employment and Labor needs to investigate the company. The complaint mentioned:

"The contents of the internal report by HIVE titled ‘Music Industry Report’ that was made public on the 24th prove that the ‘code of conduct based on respect’ mentioned by CEO Kim Joo-young is not being followed at all."

It continued:

"Therefore, it is believed that the Ministry of Employment and Labor needs to determine the specific facts, such as the background of the document in question."

The Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office confirmed receiving the complaint. Sports Kyunghyang reported on October 28, that the organization will use the 'Music Industry Report' submitted by the netizen to investigate the label's alleged workplace bullying towards NewJeans.

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The HYBE internal report allegedly contained defaming comments to Stray Kids' Changbin, NCT's Haechan, NCT Dream, BLACKPINK, BTS' Jimin & Jungkook, NMIXX, TWS, IVE, NewJeans, Wonder Girls, and more groups.