On November 1st (KST), a 2,000-page internal report from HYBE was leaked across various platforms. This document, which had previously been disclosed by the National Assembly of South Korea, contains numerous allegations regarding the collection of information and the negative analysis of K-pop groups, positioning HYBE as the “number one enemy” among fandoms due to this “defamatory text.”
The report names rival groups such as BLACKPINK, aespa, IVE, and NMIXX, as well as their own artists BTS, SEVENTEEN, NewJeans, and TXT, subjecting them to various subjective evaluations that have affected their reputations.
One of the most controversial points revolves around BLACKPINK, with HYBE allegedly claiming that the members are more focused on their romantic lives than their careers. The scandal surrounding Lisa’s provocative dance performance has reportedly contributed to a decline in the group’s reputation.
HYBE has disclosed that the public outcry regarding Lisa’s appearance at the Crazy Horse show in Paris has generated significant controversy. While Lisa aimed to assert her autonomy and power, the burlesque-style performance sparked backlash from fans who felt it clashed with BLACKPINK’s original image.
Moreover, the group’s overall image suffered because the other members supported Lisa during this event. The report indicates that BLACKPINK has shifted its focus to relationships more than any other group, stating, “This group concentrates more on love affairs than any other group.”
Additionally, HYBE has gathered information about BLACKPINK’s fandom dynamics. Disputes over high-profile brand ambassador roles have severely divided their fandom, which is unique in that some individual member fans are often larger than the group fans. The report highlights that Rosé’s past substance abuse scandal was allegedly orchestrated by Jisoo’s “only fans” as an act of sabotage.
The report also sheds light on internal issues regarding one of their own groups, LE SSERAFIM, admitting to their lack of skill and revealing that they covered this up by allowing the group to lip-sync at certain performances. LE SSERAFIM, labeled the most disliked girl group in K-pop after their disastrous showing at Coachella 2024, has drawn criticism for being poorly trained by their management, leading to a performance that was widely condemned as a “national disgrace.”
Previously, HYBE faced boycotts from BTS and SEVENTEEN fandoms due to what they described as “inhumane” strategies that undermine their successful boy groups. Through this 2,000-page report, the ugly and dark face of Korea’s top entertainment company has been exposed to the public, with Bang Si Hyuk, the head of the company, labeled a “villain who destroys the noble values of K-pop.”
Source: X, K14
