"Leave them alone"— Internet reacts to alleged HYBE reports claiming the label attempted to promote dating rumors between SEVENTEEN's Mingyu and Somi

On October 29, 2024, South Korean media outlet Koreaboo reported that HYBE’s internal documents also included discussions about last year's dating rumors involving SEVENTEEN's Mingyu and solo artist Jeon Somi. The music giant appeared to have monitored and even leveraged these rumors within their media strategy.

The alleged leaked files, part of a broader report disclosed at a National Assembly audit on October 24, included thousands of pages examining the company’s internal groups and competitors. Among these was reportedly a document analyzing recent dating rumors, including SEVENTEEN’s Joshua, whose alleged relationship sparked controversy online.

According to reports, the label used a live stream by Mingyu where he casually mentioned fellow member Wonwoo’s presence. This was used to reassure fans that SEVENTEEN members continued to live together, subtly refuting the idea of Joshua moving out with a partner.

In effect, this livestream helped divert attention from the Mingyu-Somi dating rumors circulating online. Netizens expressed their anger online towards the label.

Fans react to HYBE's leaked internal reports (Image via X/@midnight7melody)

"so hybe is behind somi and mingyu’s dating rumors?!," another user added.

"oh the rumor was from dcinside, a korean internet forumㅡ and hybe may have planned to push the dating rumor but it didn’t work ‘cause many find it ridiculous and minwon coincidentally went live that time (??) imagine if hybe had succeeded with their plan ㅠㅠ oh my goodness!!," a netizen wrote.

"they have a special place in hell!! how dare they do that to somi and seventeen?!," an X user commented.

"damn it was even out to get somi too like they need to go down right now..every day i'll learn something crazier about hybe like do only freaks work there or what," a netizen remarked.

Mingyu and Somi, known as good friends, have been spotted supporting each other publicly, such as when Mingyu attended her album release event. The company seemingly noted these friendly gestures, with the agency allegedly monitoring any situation that could impact its idols’ reputations.

"The f**k does this mean??? They were about to push mingyu-somi rumour??? But it did not happen bc mingyu COINCIDENTALLY went live with wonwoo?????????," another person mentioned.

"did they dea**ss write in a report that mingyu prevented a dating rumor with somi by using wonwoo," a netizen wrote.

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More from HYBE's internal report at the National Assembly

The audit, spearheaded by South Korea's Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee, uncovered the music label's “Weekly Music Industry Report.” This report detailed comments on rival idols’ appearances, talents, and fanbase tactics, raising concerns among fans and industry watchers.

Within 20 leaked pages, fans were outraged by the implications that the company might have attempted to sway public opinion or orchestrate rumors to its advantage. Reactions from people have been sharp, with many accusing the company of failing to prioritize their idols’ well-being, sparking an online debate on the ethics of media manipulation.

This controversy comes alongside other notable details in the document, including claims of the label strategizing to position LE SSERAFIM favorably against prominent groups like BLACKPINK and TWICE. The reports also allegedly scrutinized voting patterns attributed to Lisa's overseas fanbase, sparking concerns about attempts to undermine certain fandoms.

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HYBE’s CEO and COO have faced questioning over the alleged leaked files, and with a growing call for accountability, the company is under significant pressure from fans and the public.