The leaked documents containing malicious comments and derogatory remarks about several K-pop idols caused a major frenzy within the Korean entertainment industry and several K-pop fandoms.
Due to the intense public backlash, South Korean entertainment conglomerate HYBE, issued a public apology on Tuesday, October 29, over the controversial contents of the weekly “Music Industry Report” brought up during South Korea’s National Assembly audit last October 24.
During the said audit, Democratic Party of Korea member, Min Hyung-bae, questioned HYBE COO Kim Tae-ho on the company's practices. The former bared the controversial document containing derogatory remarks and observations on idols from various agencies like SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and several others.
The 18,000-page report discussed plans to carry out marketing tactics that could potentially harm other groups. It also had comments on idols’ physical appearances and skills, including unverified rumors about them. 20 pages from the report were eventually leaked, igniting an uproar among the public.
However, on Tuesday, HYBE CEO Lee Jae Sang released an official statement in response to the current issue. As CEO of the company, Lee extended his sincere apologies to the artists, industry stakeholders, and fans.
“This document was created as part of a process to retrospectively gather various reactions and public opinions on industry trends and issues. Although it was intended to be shared only with a limited number of leaders to understand market and fan sentiments, the content was highly inappropriate,” Lee wrote.
“The document contained provocative and explicit expressions directed at K-pop artists, included personal opinions and evaluations of the author, and was preserved in written form. As the representative of the company, I acknowledge all the mistakes and take full responsibility,” he added.
Furthermore, he said that he is particularly apologetic and distressed about the unfounded suspicions of the “reverse viral marketing” included in the document; citing how it caused misunderstandings and harm to innocent artists and individuals.
“I formally and respectfully apologize to the external artists mentioned in the document who have suffered damage and distress. We are also reaching out to each agency individually to offer our apologies directly,” the HYBE CEO said.
“Additionally, I am also sincerely extending an official apology to all the artists of HYBE Music Group who have been subjected to criticism due to the company,” he added.
Lee acknowledged the lack of awareness that leaders had of the document’s creation and said that he had already halted such monitoring processes. He vowed to establish guidelines, including strengthening internal controls to prevent such issues from reoccurring.
In light of the ongoing controversy, Seungkwan from K-pop boy band SEVENTEEN recently voiced out his concerns about the industry and its toxic culture.
