In a shocking turn of events, HYBE, one of South Korea's leading entertainment companies, has been accused of manipulating album sales to boost chart rankings.
ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin made explosive claims that HYBE suggested using bulk buying tactics to artificially inflate NewJeans' first-week sales numbers.
According to Min Hee Jin, HYBE proposed purchasing 100,000 copies of NewJeans' albums from retailers, only to return them later while arranging fan events to clear the stock. This practice, known as "advance buying," has sparked widespread controversy and debate.
The same day these allegations surfaced, HYBE's newest girl group, ILLIT, was reported to have sold 380,000 copies of their debut album, SUPER REAL ME, in its first week.
This figure surpasses the previous record held by NewJeans, who sold 310,000 copies. The comparison has ignited further speculation and criticism, with fans and netizens questioning the legitimacy of ILLIT's sales.
In response to the controversy, netizens have taken to social media to express their skepticism and frustration. Many have accused HYBE of using deceptive tactics to manipulate sales figures and boost the perceived popularity of their artists. Comments ranged from disbelief to outright mockery:
- "Ah, this is so hilarious."
- "LOL."
- "Wow. So. Jealous."
- "Just wonder how much they bought up!"
- "My company only has old people, and they know NewJeans but not these girls. Although I also felt that NewJeans really got popular off the bat... Their media play is so dirty."
- "More than half the members are in their 20s. I wish they'd stop trying so gaslight people into thinking they're in their teens LOL."
- "LOOOL"
- "IJBOL"
- "LOL, f*ck this is so funny."
The backlash has put HYBE in a precarious position, as fans demand transparency and accountability from the entertainment giant.
Recently, ILLIT, a newly debuted girl group, is facing significant backlash for allegedly copying the stage outfits of the more established group NewJeans.
Accusations arose after a post on a South Korean online forum highlighted similarities between ILLIT's debut showcase uniforms and NewJeans's outfits for their song "Ditto."
Both groups sported school uniforms with oversized blazers, high socks, and leather shoes, though ILLIT's jackets were black compared to NewJeans's brown ones.
This controversy comes on top of previous criticisms of ILLIT's unstable live performances and accusations from Min Hee Jin of BELIFT Lab that ILLIT's concept mimicked NewJeans's. Korean netizens generally agree that ILLIT's outfits closely resemble NewJeans's distinctive style, fueling the backlash further.
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Written by Cassidy Jones.
