Having a hard time keeping up with all the issues? Join us as we explore all the latest facts and details on the controversy of HYBE internal documents leak. You won’t believe what actually happened behind the walls of this industry giant!
HYBE Internal Documents Leak Creates Controversy, Urging Bang Si Hyuk to Step Down
The recent leak on HYBE internal documents, the infamous “Weekly Industry Report,” has gotten a lot worse with unfounded details on some of Kpop’s biggest acts.
Previously, these leaked internal documents of HYBE had allegedly been the very source of every major Kpop controversy along with the company’s plans to erase NewJeans from the Kpop trends.
Yet, today, the Kpop industry giant has revealed more shocking details and inappropriate comments towards both other companies’ artists as well as their own. These details then created a new wave of fury from the whole Kpop community.
As a result, both South Korean and international netizens are now urging BIGHIT founder and father of BTS, Bang Si Hyuk, to step down immediately from his HYBE Chairman position.
- “He’s just not going to take responsibility for this, is he?”
- “Ilgan Sports is doing a great job, but where’s Bang Si Hyuk? Why isn’t he making any appearances?”
- “Does he really think people won’t notice what he’s doing?”
- “He should take responsibility and step down.”
- “Like they said in the audit, he’s off in the U.S., laughing it up while stirring up trouble back home.”
- “So, what’s Bang still doing over there in the U.S.?”
- “This is clearly on Bang; he needs to take responsibility.”
- “Why isn’t he showing up for the government audit after everything that’s happened?”
- “What makes him so bold to act this way without any shame?”
MORE Shocking Details and Facts
Now, if you’re having a hard time following all the latest controversy on the HYBE internal documents leak, check out all the new shocking facts and details below.
1. Undermining BLACKPINK’s Success
The recent leak of HYBE internal documents created more controversy as the company reportedly undermined the success of Kpop’s most powerful girl group, BLACKPINK.
“Their ticket sales might not be as strong in Japan and North America, but they’re still pulling impressive numbers across Asia and Europe. For example, after their concert in Kaohsiung, their songs started charting again in Taiwan. Even though Taiwan and Hong Kong are smaller markets that might not seem hugely impactful, seeing concert footage with packed audiences definitely adds to the group’s image.
HYBE’s Weekly Industry Report.
They’ve been on a busy tour schedule lately, with many close-up fan cams of individual members circulating online. BLACKPINK is the classic ‘famous-for-being-famous’ group, so showcasing their top-star lifestyle all over Asia is a major win for them.”
girl hybe literally had a whole ass informe about all BLACKPINK's moves and schedules tf pic.twitter.com/xkeejHQHhn
— ً? (@Spicycults2) October 28, 2024
Hybe truly watching every single move blackpink made??and they truly where the ones behind the narrative of "they are only famous for being celebrities"??(when they blew up cus D4,even before coachella or having a deal with an US label??) pic.twitter.com/q87x5qgfAd
— ♠️ (@abrandonhersoul) October 28, 2024
2. Insulting Members of SM’s Group RIIZE
Along with BLACKPINK, HYBE internal documents leak also revealed that the company has been insulting members of SM Entertainment group, RIIZE.
“At KCON, Wonbin caught attention with his contrasting looks from the front and profile. His beanie likely helped balance his features and proportions, which can look off without it. This styling choice might affect his potential as the center.
HYBE’s Weekly Industry Report.
Anton, on the other hand, is taller than expected but struggles with dance. Despite intense prep for the “Siren” choreography, his challenges showed during Inkigayo, where he even seemed unsure of the movements, glancing at other members. Some are comparing him to EXO’s Chanyeol type — a bit clumsy with uncertain improvement potential.
Wonbin and Anton’s fancams are getting the most views, dominating reactions, while the other members seem more like background support or appeal to niche tastes, like Sohee’s “cute” look. This dynamic might become the team’s defining structure.”
3. Who’s the Writer?
Now, are you wondering who’s behind all the controversy surrounding the HYBE internal documents leak?
According to Ilgan Sports, the chief executive responsible for the appalling document is Kang Myung Seok. He is the leader of the company’s Weverse Media Contents Team, and he has now been removed from his position.
Due to the leak of HYBE internal documents, the company has reportedly held him responsible for all the contents of the reports. Therefore, HYBE transferred him from his current position and assigned him to work in a different division within the company.
4. The Direct Involvement of HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk
Then, on October 29, Korean media outlet Ilgan Sports revealed that HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk was also one of the individuals directly involved in the controversial internal documents.
“Bang Si Hyuk was directly involved in the process of sending the document to HYBE’s C-level executives, including heads of subsidiary labels. Specifically, Bang instructed that a newly joined executive be added to the list of recipients.
Ilgan Sports.
Although it remains unclear if he initially ordered the report’s creation, his approval of circulating a document containing provocative and impersonal content among high-ranking officials raises questions about his accountability in this controversy.”
5. Bang Si Hyuk Instructed to Send the Documents to C-Leven Executives, Including Min Heejin, Kim Ju Young, and Zico
Then, another report by Korean media outlet Hankyoreh on October 30 revealed some of the names of HYBE C-Level executives who received the internal documents. The name includes NewJeans producer Min Heejin, ADOR CEO Kim Ju Young, and rapper-producer Zico.
Hankyoreh managed to obtain email records of Bang Si Hyuk’s instructions on January 6, 2022, to add rapper-producer Zico to the list of recipients. The list of recipients already showed some familiar names, including HYBE-appointed ADOR CEO Kim Ju Young, and NewJeans producer Min Heejin.
According to the report, HYBE added Zico due to his position as leader of KOZ Entertainment. Previously, he was not a part of the recipients to avoid discomfort as he transitioned into the company as an artist.
Not only that, but another email also showed that on June 28, 2023, Bang requested Kang Myung Seok to add a new HYBE Corporate Strategy team member, to which Kang responded, “Added.”
With evidence showing Bang’s approval and management of the document’s recipients, the Kpop community is now condemning Bang Si Hyuk. More demands emerged that Bang Si Hyun should be stepping down from HYBE Chairman position.
6. HYBE CEO Apologizes for the Internal Documents Leak Controversy
Immediately after the controversy escalated, HYBE CEO Lee Jae Sang issued an apology statement. The CEO admitted the company’s mistake and the unfitting nature of the report.
“We created the document to compile various responses and opinions on market trends and industry issues. It was to provide selective insight for a few leadership members to gauge public sentiment about the market and artists’ fandom.
However, the content was highly inappropriate. The document contained provocative and overly blunt language directed at Kpop artists, included personal opinions and assessments from the author, and was documented in this form.”
HYBE CEO Lee Jae Sang.
The CEO also apologized to all the parties mentioned in the report, including artists from HYBE and other companies.
“I extend my sincere and official apology to external artists who were mentioned and consequently hurt by this document. We are reaching out separately to each label to offer our direct apologies.
Additionally, we sincerely apologize to all HYBE Music Group artists who have faced public criticism due to this matter.”
HYBE CEO Lee Jae Sang.
7. Min Heejin Testified Against the Controversial Report
Finally, NewJeans producer Min Heejin also testified against the HYBE internal documents leak controversy.
Following her previous statement on the infamous Weekly Report, Min Heejin revealed that she once pointed out how the biased report could change everyone’s perception of the Korean entertainment industry.
“There’s a reason I rejected that document everyone’s discussing now. I sent them a blunt email, saying, ‘I’ve held back for a year, but this is enough. Who are these reports for? Do you think this is entertaining?’
It frustrated me to the point that I stopped reading them altogether. I couldn’t understand their purpose or who they were helping.
What worried me most was realizing how many people, especially newer hires in high-level roles, were learning about the entertainment industry through that document. That was alarming.People starting out often trust what they’re given, thinking, ‘Maybe this is how it’s done here.’ But with material like that risks setting up misguided ideas and behaviors in the industry over time.”
Min Heejin.
민희진 하이브 업계 동향 보고서(ㅋㅋ ㅗ) 1년을 참다참다 못 참고 신랄한 비판 메일 보냈다고….. pic.twitter.com/lsFT6X0xqq
— ?? (@fhbfhbfhbfhb) October 29, 2024
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