It makes a lot of difference between planning on apologizing and making one to prove that you have owned and regretted your mistake. Don’t you think so too? Because it appears that HYBE has an entirely different conception. While the company claimed to make an official apology to everyone related to its internal documents scandal in the industry, HYBE remains completely silent as of this time. Hence, fans are starting to boycott this giant label. How come? Let’s find out together in the following report.
HYBE Avoids Mistakes and Stays Silent on Internal Documents Scandal
It has been over a week since all the horrifying details of HYBE internal documents leak revealed to the public, and the company is still staying silent as if nothing ever happened. Instead of actively addressing the issue, HYBE seems to be waiting for it to fade away. Therefore, Kpop fans and industry insiders are boycotting HYBE on a massive global scale due to the appalling scandal.
On November 7, Korean media outlet Dailian reported wide-ranging responses from the Korean music industry regarding HYBE internal documents scandal. According to some sources, even when HYBE CEO Lee Jae Sang previously claimed that the company would apologize to all parties within the industry that got their names mentioned in the internal documents, no action was taken by the Kpop giant corporation.
Multiple sources from the Korean music industry expressed their anger and frustration that such a top-tier entertainment company would possibly stoop this low with such condescending reports against its own peers. That is particularly disappointing, especially knowing they’ve been working incredibly hard together to raise the reputation and brand of Korean music in the global community.
“Kpop has faced criticism for treating idols like products, and many have worked to improve conditions.
But HYBE’s report undoes all that progress completely.
Sharing this report without internal criticism over a long period reflects HYBE’s underlying values.”
Another industry professional to Dailian.
And even after having done so, HYBE still doesn’t make an official apology for the internal documents scandal to the related parties in the industry.
“It’s shocking that HYBE, as the industry leader, would compile and share such crude content.
They said they’d apologize to the affected companies, but so far, there’s been no real action. It seems like they’re hoping people will just forget about it.”
An industry professional to Dailian.
Boycotts from Kpop Fans and Music Industry
Not only that but according to the reports, while HYBE’s influential artists are still in demand for collaborations or joint stages, there’s also a growing unease within the Korean music industry.
Many now feel HYBE might use these interactions to strengthen its own position while undermining other artists. This sentiment is fueling an unofficial industry-wide stance to avoid working closely with HYBE.
Worse, fans have also started rallying against HYBE with a national petition and in online communities with hashtags like ‘Boycott HYBE’ and ‘HYBE Apologize.’ This movement is getting worse, especially after HYBE decided to go against the founding artist, BTS, who made the company what it is today.
Hybe is the Biggest Sasaeng of #EXO
— EXO_EXO-L_FOREVER (@EXO_EXOL_5814) November 2, 2024
It is the SHAMELESS, MOST DISGUSTING company to exist in this industry. Hybe is the biggest DISGRACE to Kpop.
This company is built on the base of stolen ideas and concepts. They are obsessed with EXO and EXOLs.
HYBE APOLOGIZE TO EXO… pic.twitter.com/BSor6onUIP
HYBE INTERNAL AUDIT SO FAR:
— lexi (@idgafduo) October 28, 2024
HYBE APOLOGIZE TO V#뷔_탈하이브@bts_bighit@BIGHIT_MUSIC@HYBEOFFICIALtwt pic.twitter.com/2jVe1N0WSU
This is the original document with an exact English translation. @wearelloud @RCARecords
— LISA (@LLOUD_twt) November 1, 2024
HYBE APOLOGIZE TO LISA https://t.co/2hFXtPUUGT pic.twitter.com/FaGWEqFCcX
With excessive pricing on albums and merchandise, insufficient protection for artists, and recent conflicts with Min Heejin, former CEO of HYBE’s ADOR label, fans’ frustration with HYBE has been severely growing.
Then, the internal documents scandal has stooped trust in HYBE among fans, industry professionals, and even its own artists to an all-time low.
And yet, despite all the escalating issues, HYBE has been mostly silent since CEO Lee Jaesang’s initial apology.
Even founder and Chairman Bang Si Hyuk, who has allegedly authorized the report’s distribution, has not commented, which is only intensifying the mistrust. As suspicion and criticism grow, Bang Si Hyuk’s silence becomes harder to ignore.
Comments from Korean Online Communities
- “So what if they call to apologize? Are the idols who were hurt supposed to just accept it because HYBE says sorry? If they had hurtful commenters apologizing to them, would they just drop the charges? And why is Bang Si-hyuk, who’s ultimately responsible, acting clueless and silent… It’s obvious he doesn’t even intend to apologize, just staying quiet and covering things up.”
- “Bang Si-hyuk is still hiding, lol.”
- “What harm would the beneficiaries really suffer? They’re probably just waiting for it all to fade away with time, lol.”
- “Turns out the apology was fake, huh?”
- “Don’t do challenges with HYBE!”
- “Why aren’t Bang Si-hyuk and the C-level execs taking responsibility?”
- “Typical BS; they’re not just lying with words but doing shady stuff like inflating sales figures too. Everything about this company is a lie.”
- “Just shut it down; HYBE’s beyond help.”
- “Entertainment companies, let’s avoid any collaborations with HYBE!”
- “Why aren’t Bang Si-hyuk and the C-level execs taking responsibility?”
- “Wow, the petition’s at 92% ? If anyone hasn’t signed yet, please do!”
- “This is something! Bang Si-hyuk should be begging forgiveness for, but he’s just out there eating burgers with young girls.”
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