"Stop overworking the artists"— Fans furious as multiple K-Pop idols from HYBE succumb to injuries

On June 28, 2024, HYBE LABELs faced backlash from K-pop fans after multiple idols sustained injuries. BELIFT LAB's June 27, 2024, press release on Weverse stated that ENHYPEN's Jay experienced knee pain and swelling after the first night of the ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR FATE PLUS in Hiroshima, Japan, on June 26, 2024.

Medical professionals advised Jay to limit his movements, so he would attend upcoming concerts seated and not perform. Photos of Jay with a bandaged arm from the June 27 concert in Hiroshima circulated online.

Subsequently, fans noted that multiple artists, including TOMORROW X TOGETHER's Beomgyu, ILLIT's Wonhee, Katseye's Daniela, and NewJeans' Hyein have taken a temporary hiatus from the group activities due to health issues.

While TXT's Beomgyu sustained an ankle ligament injury during one of the activities, ILLIT's Wonhee succumbed to an injury in her ankle while filming content. Meanwhile, NewJeans member Hyein had a microfracture in one of her feet, and Katseye's Daniela got injured.

Hence, the agency's artists were unable to attend their scheduled engagements due to their injuries. As ENHYPEN's Jay was added to the list of HYBE artists suffering from injuries, the K-pop fans accused the label of overworking and exhausting the idols for their gain, and subsequently, an X user tweeted:

"Beomgyu from TXT. Hyein from Newjeans. Wonhee from illit. Daniela from katseye. Jay from Enhypen. All of them injured. Seriously, Hybe should stop overworking the artists."

The K-pop community accused the label of allegedly exploiting their idol and urged the fans to take action against their actions. Many also suggested boycotting the label itself.

"Hybe exploiting and ignoring their idols health conditions, a never ending saga."- A fan reacted.

"If any of y’all gaf about the health and safety of Hybe artists that are being worked to the point of illness and injury, STAND UP. Katseye hasn’t even debuted yet ffs and they’re directly under Scooter btw."- A fan stated.

"That’s more than enough artists that are resting, are sick, have an injury, etc. Enough is enough. As fans, we can’t tolerate this anymore. Especially how it’s clear HYBE doesn’t care for their artists! Boycott the company!"- A fan commented.

"They proved time and time again that they don’t care about their idols. I just hope K-pop fans wake up and take action."- A fan mentioned.

Netizens also stated that the agency should take appropriate steps, as they often mention in their press releases, to prioritize their health considering the gravity of the situation. They also accused the corporation of being greedy to the point that they were allegedly messing up with the idol's health.

"Idk anything about korean labor laws but there should be no way it is legal for kpop companies to keep overworking idols to the point of injuries"- A user reacted.

"The company keeps getting greedier than ever, they forgot that putting an interval rest is necessary for their artists to perform well. Hybe is disappointing."- A user shared.

"Ikr this is so right and the fact all of it happened in the same month,like isn’t it strange and concerning. I really dw to jinx it but Idw them to carry their pain like how yoongi did and having to go hiatus for a long time cause of the immense pain their are feeling."- A user commented.

"This is so alarming because members from 5 different hybe groups (including jay) have been injured recently and have been overworked for months. hybe always says "We will put the artist's health first" BUT THIS KEEPS ON HAPPENING. can that label practice what they preach."- A user mentioned.

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More about HYBE Corporation

Founded by Bang Si-hyuk in 2005 as Big Hit Entertainment Co. Ltd, the South Korean multinational entertainment company owns several sub-labels that host world-class artists, including BTS, SEVENTEEN, ENHYPEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and ADOR.

The agency's subsidiaries or sub-labels include BigHit Music, Source Music, Pledis Entertainment, BELIFT LAB, KOZ Entertainment, and ADOR, and they are referred to as HYBE LABELS. The headquarters is located at Yongsan Trade Center, Yongsan, Seoul, South Korea. Presently, Bang Si-hyuk and Park Ji-won are the chairman and CEO of the label, respectively.

The agency offers music production, publication, artist development, event organization, and record label.

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In May 2024, HYBE LABELS was officially designed as a major conglomerate group and cited as the first entertainment-oriented company in South Korea to be honored with the mentioned recognition.