As the CEO of HYBE, I offer my apologies regarding the recent issues surrounding HYBE’s monitoring document.
I bow my head in apology to the artists, industry colleagues, and fans regarding the monitoring document that was brought up during the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee audit on October 24.
The document was compiled to gather various responses and public opinions on industry trends and issues. While it was shared only with a limited number of leadership members for the purpose of understanding the public opinion of the market and among fans, the content of the document was highly inappropriate. On behalf of the company, I acknowledge the wrongdoing and feel responsible for the report that contained provocative expressions towards K-pop artists, the subjective views and personal judgment of the document’s author, and the fact that such content was documented. In particular, I am very sorry that the false suspicions of reverse marketing have led to misunderstandings and also harmed innocent artists and individuals.
I offer a formal and respectful apology to the external artists mentioned in the document who may have been hurt or impacted. We are reaching out to each agency individually to extend personal apologies. We are also conveying an official apology with heartfelt sincerity to all HYBE Music Group artists who are unfairly facing criticism due to this issue.
Recognizing the lack of awareness by leadership members who received the document, I have, as CEO, immediately halted the creation of such monitoring documents. I promise to implement guidelines and strengthen internal controls to prevent this from ever happening again.
Once again, I apologize sincerely to the artists and industry colleagues who were affected, to the fans, and to everyone who loves and supports K-pop. As the representative of the company, I pledge to thoroughly correct past mistakes through profound reflection and self-examination and to make every effort to ensure the healthy development of the K-pop industry with the utmost respect for the rights of all K-pop artists and fans.
Thank you,
HYBE CEO, Lee Jaesang
https://hybecorp.com/kor/news/announcements/content/6647
(comments not available yet, will be translated soon)