Lee Jae Sang, CEO of HYBE Labels, has released a public statement to address and apologize for the multi-label's uncovered internal document targeting numerous idols in the K-pop industry, including entertainment giants SM, JYP, and YG.
The document has since received intense public backlash, as it mentioned several malicious remarks regarding the idols' appearances and many other baseless speculations.
To address the matter, Lee Jae Sang apologized through an official statement.
"As HYBE's CEO, I apologize for HYBE's internal document. I am referring to the monitoring file, which was discussed at the National Assembly's Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee audit on October 24. To the artists, stakeholders, and fans, I apologize."
It continued by saying that the document was formed to gather reactions and public opinions on trends and issues. While the document was intended to be shared with a selected group of leaders to analyze public behavior, the CEO clarified that the content inside the document was still inappropriate.
The CEO apologized again to the artists mentioned in the document and HYBE is currently reaching out to these idols' companies directly. Lee Jae Sang also apologized to all artists under HYBE as well.
The statement continued:
"We want to acknowledge the lack of awareness regarding the leadership of the group who received the document. We have decided to stop the creation of such monitoring documents. We promise to form guidelines and strengthen our internal management to prevent similar problems in the future."
"I will do my best to encourage a healthy environment in the K-pop industry by learning from previous mistakes and prioritizing the rights and interests of all K-pop artists and respect for their fans."
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Written by Israel Monte
