HYBE CEO Releases Official Statement Regarding Internal Document With Malicious Comments About K-Pop Artists

HYBE’s CEO Lee Jae Sang has released an official statement in response to recent controversy.

Previously, during the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee audit on October 24, it was revealed that HYBE had a weekly “music industry report” that was circulated among executives of the company. Totaling up to about 18,000 pages, the document included comments about K-pop artists from SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and various other agencies, maliciously commenting on their looks and skills, sharing unverified rumors, discussing plans to carry out viral marketing tactics against them, and more. About 20 pages of the report have been fully leaked online, resulting in strong backlash from the public. SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan also took to his Instagram on October 29 to speak out about the issue.

Later in the day, the following statement was posted on HYBE’s official website:

As the CEO of HYBE, I extend my sincere apologies regarding the HYBE monitoring document.

Regarding our monitoring document that was highlighted during the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee audit on October 24, I deeply apologize to the artists, industry stakeholders, and fans.

This document was created as part of a process to retrospectively gather various reactions and public opinions on industry trends and issues. Although it was intended to be shared only with a limited number of leaders to understand market and fan sentiments, the content was highly inappropriate. The document contained provocative and explicit expressions directed at K-pop artists, included personal opinions and evaluations of the author, and was preserved in written form. As the representative of the company, I acknowledge all the mistakes and take full responsibility. I am particularly sorry and distressed about the unfounded suspicions of reverse viral marketing that are not true at all, causing misunderstandings and harm to innocent artists and individuals.

I formally and respectfully apologize to the external artists mentioned in the document who have suffered damage and distress. We are also reaching out to each agency individually to offer our apologies directly. Additionally, I am also sincerely extending an official apology to all the artists of HYBE Music Group who have been subjected to criticism due to the company.

I acknowledge the lack of awareness among the leadership who received the document and, as CEO, I have immediately halted the creation of such monitoring documents. I promise to establish guidelines and strengthen internal controls to prevent such issues from occurring again.

Once again, I apologize to the artists, industry stakeholders, fans, and everyone who loves and supports K-pop for the pain caused by this incident. As the company’s representative, I commit to thorough reflection and self-examination to rectify past mistakes and prioritize the rights of all K-pop artists and respect for fans. We will do our utmost to contribute to the healthy development of the K-pop industry.

Thank you.
HYBE CEO Lee Jae Sang

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