On November 1, an individual claiming to be an employee of HYBE Labels revealed additional pages from the “HYBE Weekly Music Industry Trend Report.”
Along with a photo of their business card, this employee verified over 1,000 pages of the report that was sent to HYBE staff on July 13, 2023. According to the email, the report was sent to HYBE executives, including Bang Si Hyuk, Kang Myeong Seok, Lee Chang Woo, and many others.
Among the content, the information related to ‘Running Man‘ Ji Seok Jin has attracted significant attention.
Accordingly, in a report dated December 20, 2023, focused on the popular boy group SEVENTEEN, the document references Ji Seok Jin, a well-known star from the variety show Running Man. It highlights Ji’s support for SEVENTEEN member Hoshi, specifically regarding Hoshi’s quest for the “2023 Rookie Award” on Yoo Jae Suk’s YouTube show, Pinggyego.
Notably, just two days before this report was issued, Ji Seok Jin announced that he would be taking a break from Running Man to address health issues identified during a recent check-up. This personal matter was described in the leaked document as an “opportunity,” prompting a recommendation for Hoshi to visit Ji Seok Jin in the hospital. The report characterizes Ji as a “harmless ahjussi” within the idol target audience, framing the visit as a chance for Hoshi to “strengthen their relationship.”
“It’s not so much about gaining something from that interaction, but more about taking care of someone who could be important”
– HYBE’s document
This assertion has incited a fierce backlash among netizens, with many questioning the sincerity of HYBE’s intentions. The public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative, with users expressing disbelief and outrage at the implications of the document.
Source: X, Krb
