HYBE Faces Backlash Over Leaked Internal Documents Criticizing K-Pop Idols and Rival Companies

Recently, South Korean entertainment company HYBE has come under fire after alleged internal documents surfaced online, stirring intense reactions among K-pop fans. The controversy began with the release of HYBE’s industry trend report, presented during a National Assembly audit on October 24. Since then, parts of the document have circulated widely, revealing negative remarks about various K-pop idols and competing companies, leading HYBE’s CEO, Lee Jae-sang, to issue a formal apology on October 29.

However, just days later, additional documents were leaked, allegedly by an employee, raising more concerns about the company’s culture and attitudes. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key points covered in these internal documents:

1. LE SSERAFIM’s Lip-Syncing Accusations

• The report confirmed claims that LE SSERAFIM, a HYBE subsidiary group, had lip-synced in past performances, including at high-profile events like the 2023 Asia Artist Awards.

• Eunchae, the youngest member, was mentioned as stirring jealousy among fans due to her perceived lack of strong vocal or rap skills, with critics suggesting she received more attention because of another member’s exit from the group.

2. Comments on BLACKPINK’s Image

• The report criticized BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and her fandom, alleging that certain fans might have been behind rumors about fellow member Rosé, including dating and drug-related speculations.

• Lisa’s recent performance at Paris’s Crazy Horse cabaret show was cited as having damaged BLACKPINK’s image. The document implied that Lisa’s decision to take on a burlesque-style act may have negatively impacted the group’s image, as BLACKPINK hasn’t historically highlighted feminist or gender themes.

3. Criticism of IVE’s Public Appearances

• IVE faced negative remarks in the document, which pointed out the group’s recent struggles to secure top positions on music charts and awards.

• Comments also ridiculed IVE’s appearance on a live broadcast with producer Na Young Suk, describing the interaction as awkward and suggesting that the group had to put in extra effort to keep the show lively.

4. Concerns About ENHYPEN’s Physical and Mental Well-Being

• ENHYPEN members’ exhaustion was noted, especially following their 2022 KCON LA performance. The report expressed concern that both their physical and mental health might be affecting their stage performance quality.

• Sunghoon, one of ENHYPEN’s members, was specifically criticized for his appearance, with the report suggesting that he might benefit from weight management to meet fan expectations.

5. Attempts to Build HYBE Chairman’s Image

• HYBE’s Chairman Bang Si-hyuk was compared to JYP’s J.Y. Park and SM Entertainment’s Lee Soo Man, with suggestions for long-term strategies to make Bang appear more “likable.”

• The document proposed that rather than local magazines, overseas publications like GQ could emphasize Bang as a “game-changer” in the industry, distancing him from traditional K-pop icons.

6. Pro-Palestine Protests Mentioned in the Report

• The report referenced recent international pro-Palestine protests and advised waiting out the issue, stating that South Korea is not involved in the conflict.

• It noted a specific incident in which ENHYPEN’s Jake responded to an online post about the conflict, which was seen as potentially controversial among Korean fans.

7. Comparison Between EXO’s Baekhyun and BTS’s Jungkook

• EXO’s Baekhyun was compared to BTS’s Jungkook in the report, noting Baekhyun’s recent Instagram live session and speculating that he may feel pressure due to Jungkook’s influence.

• The report highlighted the trend of idol members adopting more casual, personal interactions with fans, as seen in Jungkook’s regular social media updates.

The release of these documents has left fans across various fandoms feeling disillusioned with HYBE’s approach. While CEO Lee Jae-sang has apologized and promised to halt the production of similar documents, the leaked comments have sparked debates on transparency and ethics within the K-pop industry.