HYBE's internal documents allegedly credit Coachella for BLACKPINK's fame and hint at targeted campaign against Lisa’s fandom

On October 28, 2024, South Korean media outlet Sports Trends reported more details from internal HYBE documents, which surfaced during a recent National Assembly audit. The documents reportedly outline HYBE’s perspective on BLACKPINK's rise to fame and hint at a potential negative campaign aimed at Lisa’s fandom.

According to the report, the music company credits BLACKPINK's success largely to their 2019 Coachella performance. They described it as the key factor that propelled the group into the international spotlight.

The company reportedly suggested that the group's North American tour capitalized on the momentum from Coachella and speculated that YG Entertainment, BLACKPINK's label, maybe strategizing for similar success in European markets.

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More from HYBE's internal report at the National Assembly

HYBE was called to a National Assembly audit by South Korea’s Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee on Thursday to address leaked internal reports. The audit, led by Rep. Min Hyung-bae, revealed HYBE’s “Weekly Music Industry Report,” which contained harsh comments on young idol appearances, bulk album-buying tactics, and alleged plagiarism by HYBE sublabels.

Kim Tae-ho, HYBE’s COO and CEO of its subsidiary Belift Lab, represented the company during questioning.

A leaked HYBE report has stirred the K-pop community, exposing competitive tactics and harsh assessments of rival groups. The document was reported just after HYBE COO Kim Tae-ho’s audit questioning and describes strategies aimed at positioning LE SSERAFIM against successful groups like BLACKPINK and TWICE, critiquing the latter two's management and performances.

Additionally, the documents reportedly touch on suspicions of fraudulent voting at a recent award ceremony. They focused on votes attributed to Lisa's overseas fanbase. While details remain unclear, the label's reference to Lisa's fandom in this context has sparked concern, with some interpreting this as an attempt to discredit the fandom’s efforts in supporting the artist.

The leak has reignited discussions about the agency’s stance on rival artists. Furthermore, the label's own strategy, which recently included sending their own group, LE SSERAFIM, to Coachella also came as a major factor. Fans and industry insiders alike are questioning whether the music giant's commentary about Coachella as a turning point for BLACKPINK reflects a broader strategy for its own artists.

As netizens await further clarity, the industry remains divided, with many taking to social media to voice support for Lisa’s fanbase and question the label's reported remarks.

For those unaware, in a recent National Assembly audit, confidential documents from HYBE Co., Ltd., reportedly claimed critical comments directed at both competing K-pop groups and the label's own artists. The documents also suggested a strategic plan to limit the promotion of their group, NewJeans, in favor of other acts.

Additionally, the audit uncovered the label staff’s alleged disparaging comments about well-known groups. These included BLACKPINK, TWICE, and aespa, sparking public concern over the label's internal policies and competitive approach.

The report also singles out other popular groups like aespa, IVE, Stray Kids, and (G)I-DLE, with critiques on stage presence and visuals. These comments were seen as part of a cutthroat culture within the label, sparking disappointment and concern over the company’s approach to the industry.

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Although the Ministry soon limited access to the documents, the revelations continue to stir debate over the label's industry practices and its handling of both external and internal groups.