“This is new low”— HYBE faces fan backlash for speculated strategy around BTS’ Taehyung’s dating rumors despite public outcry

HYBE is facing backlash following a leaked internal report that revealed a speculated strategy involving BTS Taehyung’s dating rumors. According to a recent report from South Korean media outlet Sports Trends, the internal document alleged that Taehyung’s dating rumors with BLACKPINK's Jennie helped reduce public attention on other BTS members, effectively allowing them more privacy.

The document, which was first disclosed during an audit by the National Assembly, included candid comments on various idols and groups, both from HYBE and rival companies. According to the report, executives at HYBE allegedly saw the dating rumors as an opportunity, allowing other members of BTS to escape intense public scrutiny.

Fans have interpreted HYBE using Taehyung as a "scapegoat" to deflect attention from internal issues. They took to social media, expressing outrage over the perceived exploitation of the artist's personal life as a way to shift media focus away from other members. A user on X, @iconofthv wrote,

"They used tae so that other members can do whatever they want and we know who those members are! Cz some video has been taken away and deleted right in minutes but company never moved for tae so that other can get free pass! This is a new low god, protect tae."

"I can't get over this....feeling so infuriated...using Tae as a shield instead of promoting an environment where all members are normal humans and can do normal stuff like dating, they make it seem like the idols owe it to the fans to keep their delusions alive...!" another X user added.

"Taehyung seriously deserves better and freedom from hybe. This has been going on for many years. We were right all along about hybe and bighit behind everything, so they never did anything to protect him. HYBE APOLOGIZE TO V," a fan wrote.

"God!! Wish tae was here to see this Im feel so heartbroken right now," another fan wrote.

Many fans have condemned the company’s actions as insensitive, especially given the Rainy Days singer's continuous public and media attention.

"I wonder why he still hasn't left them, clearly using him as a shield for all kinds of crappy situations...," an X user commented.

"We condemn Hybe's atrocities against BTS member V in the Hybe's Industry Trends internal report, and we strongly request that Hybe formally apologize to V," a fan mentioned.

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Details emerge from HYBE's internal report mentioning BTS' Taehyung and other idols

HYBE was called to a National Assembly audit by South Korea’s Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee on Thursday to address leaked internal reports. The audit, led by Rep. Min Hyung-bae, revealed HYBE’s “Weekly Music Industry Report,” which contained harsh comments on young idols appearances, bulk album buying tactics, and alleged plagiarism by HYBE sublabels.

Kim Tae-ho, HYBE’s COO and CEO of its subsidiary Belift Lab, represented the company during questioning.

In response to the public outcry, HYBE defended the document, stating it was merely a "monitoring report" and not an official position of the company.

However, the K-pop community remains unconvinced, viewing the report as evidence of HYBE’s controversial and cutthroat strategies, and many are questioning the company’s approach to managing both its own artists and its relationships with competitors.

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The leak has sparked heated debate and criticism, with fans calling for accountability and more respectful treatment of artists' personal lives.