HYBE INTERCEPTS THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY'S AGENDA

source: https://sports.khan.co.kr/article/202410242224003

While Kim Tae-ho, HYBE’s Chief Content Officer and CEO of Belief Lab, was being questions about the HYBE's internal research document that contains controversial and triggering online comments from netizens, HYBE publishes a statement.

"This is HYBE’s official statement. On October 24, the company documents used for monitoring at the audit by the Ministry of Sports, Culture, and Tourism were publicized, leading to various reactions by fandoms and industries, as well as articles from the press.

The contents (industry direction and issues) were only shared with a small portion of internal staff for reference and simply reflected the reactions from social media platforms and online communities verbatim, and does not constitute HYBE’s official stance.

The report in question also contains positive reviews from fans and things that people in the entertainment industry should take note of.

Provocative parts of the report were cherry-picked and leaked externally to make it seem as if HYBE had criticized other artists in our documents. We will see to it that whoever conducted this activity takes full responsibility."

— HYBE

The Korean National assembly wasn't happy about it, accusing HYBE of disrespecting the Assembly.

Kim Tae-ho stated, “I acknowledge that the statement released while I was at the audit was inappropriate, and I offer my deepest apologies.” He explained, “We received numerous media inquiries regarding our position on the remarks, and there were so many that it was challenging to respond individually to each one.”

He continued, “We observed significant distortion and misrepresentation on online platforms, including content that was not covered in the audit and some that was taken out of context.” He added, “Our intention in releasing the statement was to address media inquiries swiftly and to prevent the spread of misinformation. We did not intend to disrespect the National Assembly.”

In response, Rep. Park Jeong-ha of the People Power Party remarked, “In the company’s statement, there is a line that says, ‘We will hold accountable to the end those who leaked the information externally,’ which feels like a threatening message, potentially stifling free discussion or internal debate within the company.” CEO Kim clarified, “Our intention was to correct the misinformation spreading online,” adding, “However, I recognize that releasing this statement was not the right approach.”

When questioned about the perception that HYBE might be “seeking to identify informants,” Kim responded, “I believe those who make sound internal criticisms should be protected, and I have no intention of tracking down informants. There’s no need to worry about that.”

Jeon Jae-soo, chairman of the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee, remarked, “The audit is being conducted lawfully. Issuing a statement like this during a Q&A session could undermine the authority of the National Assembly.” He continued, “The committee members feel that the attitude of a leading K-Wave company toward the National Assembly and this audit is inappropriate.”

During the audit session, portions of HYBE's 'Music Industry Report,' which HYBE circulates among its executives, were disclosed. The report contained derogatory comments about other idols’ appearance and abilities, as well as mentions of private controversies. Compiled on a weekly basis by Mr. A—formerly a music critic and currently editor-in-chief of Weverse Magazine, a subsidiary of HYBE—the report is distributed to executives, including HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk.

According to the report obtained by our newspaper, it included disparaging remarks on appearance, such as, “they debuted at an age when members are likely to be unattractive,” “they’ve had too much plastic surgery,” and “the other members are surprisingly ugly.” It also contained critiques of abilities, stating, “they were a failure at Coachella,” “they responded to attacks with past photos of member ○○,” and “they rely heavily on their looks or sex appeal.”

Min Hyung-bae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, noted that the HYBE document “includes evaluations of appearance and inappropriate language about minors,” highlighting “the impersonal and dismissive attitude toward idols in the report.”

In response to the leaked content, HYBE released a statement asserting that the report also contained positive evaluations and pledged to “hold accountable those who selectively leaked provocative content, making it appear as though HYBE was criticizing the artist.”

However, during the audit, members of the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee continued to criticize HYBE’s stance, especially its warning of potential legal action against the whistleblower.

Rep. Min commented, “The National Assembly audit is being conducted in line with the Constitution and the law. As a witness, you have ample opportunity to respond, but it is highly inappropriate for the company to react this way to questions from members.” He then called for an apology.

Chairman Jeon Jae-soo added, “The National Assembly is conducting an audit and allowing witnesses to participate in a Q&A. Issuing statements like this could undermine the audit’s significance or the National Assembly’s authority.” He concluded, “HYBE is a leader in K-pop—why respond so irresponsibly? Do you consider the National Assembly insignificant?”