“It's getting disturbing each day”- Fans react as Bang Si-hyuk’s reported orders to add Zico to ‘HYBE Idol Report’ email recipients surface online

On October 30, 2024, the controversy surrounding HYBE's "Idol Report" escalated further. As per South Korean Newspaper Hankyoreh, Bang Si-hyuk had allegedly ordered Zico's inclusion in the list of recipients for the document, which reportedly contained unflattering comments about K-pop idols' appearances.

The document became a focal point of criticism after being divulged during a National Assembly audit on October 24, prompting significant backlash from fans and the public. The reported leaked emails alleged that Bang personally instructed Zico, the head of KOZ Entertainment under the HYBE umbrella, to receive the "Weekly Music Industry Report III."

Fans expressed their discontent on social media, noting that the controversy continues to grow more troubling. The report’s problematic content, which included alleged negative remarks about idols from various agencies, sparked outrage due to the alleged implications regarding underage idols.

A user on X, @malicdxb, wrote,

"It's getting disturbing each day!!."

"he’s trying to drag zico into this mess???," a netizen added.

"and we know why they chose koz and zico as shields to set up, because they’re the only ones minding their business and never involved into their drama," an X user commented.

A few netizens expressed concern for Zico and condemned the music label.

"so Hybe is trying to set up Zico now??? ZICO TAKE THE BOYS AND GET OUT OF THERE ASAP......," another fan mentioned.

"Why does it feel like Zico name is getting dropped to distract ppl from BangPD involvement and self awareness, to Zico suppsely seeing it. Ugh Hype using artist as shields again," a user wrote on X.

According to media outlet Hankyoreh, Zico took to his Instagram to clarify that he was unaware of any emails sent to him regarding the report. He stated that the emails remain unread. Fans expressed their belief that this is the label's attempt to deflect attention from ongoing controversies.

"ZICO handling the situation with maturity and honesty as always. Respect!," a netizen mentioned.

"Why did Hybe hurt Zico? He hasn't gained a bit since joining Hybe… Hybe is the worst and most disgusting company in history," an X user wrote.

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More about Zico's statement regarding his involvement and HYBE's internal reports controversy

Following the disclosures, HYBE's CEO, Lee Jae-sang, issued an apology, acknowledging the inappropriateness of the language used within the document. Further scrutiny emerged regarding Bang's direct involvement in the report's distribution, especially after the removal of Kang Myung-seok, the former Weverse Magazine director and document author, just a day prior.

Records show that in January 2022, Bang had allegedly directed Kang to add Zico to the email recipients, indicating a level of oversight in the matter. Industry insiders noted that Zico may have been initially excluded to avoid discomfort, considering his position as an artist himself.

As fans expressed their concerns online, Zico responded to the situation through his Instagram Stories. He clarified that he had never seen the report or opened any related emails, only learning of his inclusion as a recipient through recent news articles. He stated,

"“What's going on.... Article published today. I thought I'd check it out, and write to you directly. I've never seen the document, and I've never opened the email itself... I only found out that I was added to the list of recipients from today's article, and I don't want to create more misunderstandings."

He went on to alleviate misunderstandings by confirming with KOZ Entertainment that he had not accessed the documents.

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HYBE Corporation has not publicly commented on the latest developments between its Chairperson Bang Si-hyuk and Zico.