"svt blink twice if you need help"- Fans speculate SEVENTEEN members to be on a social media ban by HYBE amid recent controversy

SEVENTEEN fans have expressed their concerns about the group members' social media silence amidst the recent HYBE controversy including the reported internal document leak. On October 29, Seungkwan shared his thoughts and opinions on Instagram seemingly hinting at the impact of the ongoing controversy due to HYBE’s reported internal document titled “Industry Trends Data”, on the K-pop artists.

On October 30, Hoshi also shared an Instagram story of Karina's picture on a billboard showcasing his support for the aespa member. DK then shared an update regarding his latest pictorial with a Korean magazine on November 4, 2024.

However, besides official posts, fans noticed that the group members have not shared any recent updates from their ongoing SEVENTEEN [RIGHT HERE] WORLD TOUR IN US, on their social media accounts. This has led fans to speculate that HYBE or PLEDIS Entertainment might have banned the artists from using their social media accounts. Fans took to social media to comment on the same.

“svt blink twice if you need help rescue mission operation saveteen is on standby”- a fan said

“i can't with this seventeen social media ban like literally svt would be posting much on weverse after that drop of dk's magazine abs photoshoot and will bombard his instagram with lots of messages but it's been a day and nothing.”- a fan wrote

“I've never seen svt be so silent after a concert like dokyeom would be writing paragraphs..no concert photo dumps... no one has posted ever since.”- a user wrote

Fans mentioned group members' daily activities on Weverse and Instagram, believing that HYBE had allegedly stopped them from using social media.

“hybe really got svt on a social media ban after seungkwan's post omg wonwoo would never be so silent after t1's win”- a fan said

“Did that f*ckass company put svt on social media ban cuz mingyu said he'd do lives when he's on the tour and his last ig post is a week ago”- a user commented

“Are seventeen on a social media ban, they’ve not posted a single thing in 4 days, hybe punishing them once again for standing up for themselves!”- another user commented

Meanwhile, some netizens assumed that it is SEVENTEEN members' choice to not use social media for a while.

“SVT social media ban this, SVT punishment that. Me personally if I was in their position, I wouldn’t want to be active on social media atm !”- a user stated

“It's just me but I think seventeen's established enough to not be dictated in terms of using social media or any ban as such. I mean, sk have freely posted his sentiments n members supported them. I'm leaning towards the assumption that it's their own choice. a silent protest idk.”- a user reacted

---

Why are SEVENTEEN's fans boycotting HYBE?

On October 24, according to ET News, an alleged internal document created at HYBE was unveiled at the National Assembly audit held by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee. The document reportedly included contents and excerpts regarding SEVENTEEN members, suggesting that HYBE prioritized the company's profits over the artists’ rights and protection.

Due to this, Carats have taken action online by reportedly campaigning for a boycott against HYBE. Fans online have decided to not purchase merchandise from Weverse or renew their membership as they allege that the entertainment company has been mistreating SEVENTEEN. They further demanded better protection of the artists from Pledis Entertainment.

Previously, on October 29, HYBE CEO Lee Jae-sang issued a formal apology to fans and artists regarding the internal document. On November 1, Vice President and the CEO of HYBE Labels Japan, Kim Yeon-soo was announced as the new CEO of PLEDIS Entertainment. Meanwhile, the group is currently on their RIGHT HERE WORLD TOUR in the United States. They are gearing up for their upcoming performance on November 5, 2024, in Oakland.