"Lies after lies"- Netizens react to HYBE Labels' immediate response to internal reports containing alleged derogatory comments on minor idols

On Thursday, October 24, HYBE Labels' internal reports were allegedly revealed at the National Assembly Cultural, Sports, and Tourism State Audit. In the same, alleged conversations shared between HYBE employees, particularly its management were showcased, shocking several netizens.

The alleged conversations revolved around alleged derogatory and s*xual comments about the artists under the label. Some of these K-pop idols who were discussed in these alleged conversations were also reported to be minors, sparking more criticism from netizens towards HYBE's management team.

Soon after the alleged internal reports' release, HYBE Labels quickly released a statement on their official website. However, the post was reportedly removed from the website soon after.

Translation of the Internal Reports (Image via X/@juantokki)

They explained that these conversations were reactions from fans and netizens on social media to understand the industry trends. Additionally, they mentioned that the report was meant for a small group of employees at the label and therefore doesn't translate as HYBE Labels' stance.

The label also explained that the report consisted of both positive and negative comments of the organization.

"This was written by extracting reactions from the community and SNS as they are in order to share industry trends and issues with a small number of internal member for reference purposes and does not represent HYBE's position. The report includes content that we as an entertainment company should pay attention to, as well as positive evaluation from fans," released the label.

As a result, they were angered at the alleged selective editing of the report. The label ended the statement by expressing that they would be taking action against the individual who leaked the internal reports that were supposed to be private and selectively edited the report to showcase the label in a bad light.

However, netizens still fired criticism towards HYBE Labels. They expressed their displeasure with the label's failure to apologize for the information that was revealed through the internal report leak:

"Lies after lies"

"Now they’re accusing the National Assembly of “selectively editing” their internal report. Funny, isn’t selective editing and stitching things together their own go-to strategy?" commented an X user.

"So Hybe is the only one allowed to media play and manipulate the public's opinion all they want???" said a fan on X.

More fans and netizens reacted to the responded statement that the label released in light of the internal reports' leak.

"Nah, no way you weasyling your way out of this one HYBE with your media manipulation," added another fan.

"this company needs to be dismantled and leadership needs to serve prison time," shared one netizen.

"Wonder how Hybe can mediaplay their way around this. Unlike the closed off court hearing where people relied on wreckers and mistranslations, this is LIVE," stated a netizen.

---

All you need to know about HYBE Labels' report at the National Assembly State Audit

On October 24, HYBE Labels' COO Kim Tae-ho was questioned at the National Assembly State Audit due to concerns regarding the agency's internal data. Democratic Party representative Min Hyung-bae was the one who raised these concerns after observing data that revealed alleged conversations within the company.

Comments related to the physical appearances of underaged K-pop idols were one of the many concerns that were brought to the table. While these reports were comments made to collect the industry trends, the lawyer expressed that the critiques were too harsh as there were many derogatory terms passed at the K-pop idols.

Additionally, the agency was also called out for making comments at and critiquing other agency groups like artists from SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and more. The internal reports also reportedly criticized and assessed performances of certain artists at Coachella where the agencies' parties deemed the stages to be poor and entertaining.

However, these concerns were countered by the HYBE COO as he stated that the reports were for internal purposes to monitor the reactions and behaviors of fans and the industry in general. Regardless, Yoo In-chan, the minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, expressed that HYBE Labels' should prioritize and realize the importance of ethical business practices.

---

Regardless of the statement, netizens are still skeptical of the internal report and are unsure whether HYBE Labels' denial is legitimate or not.