HYBE drew backlash after an internal document targeting several K-pop idols was leaked. The revelation also led to a series of reactions from fans, as well as the apology of HYBE's CEO and a new statement from Weverse.
The document was a monitoring file, which contained malicious comments regarding K-pop idols, including ones from pioneering K-pop companies SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment.
According to CEO Lee Jae Sang on October 29, the document was created to gather public reactions and opinions on current trends. It was also planned to be shared with selected officials and despite its intention to analyze public behavior, the CEO clarified that the file still contained unsuitable remarks.
On November 10, HYBE-owned platform Weverse shared an article from its magazine about a statement addressing the controversial file. It shared that the document was "handled as a separate task by the former editor-in-chief" and that the team members of the magazine weren't aware of its existence.
"Aside from the former editor-in-chief, no staff members were involved in the production of Weverse Magazine or any external contributors participated in the monitoring file's creation."
It also shared that the former editor-in-chief involved in the document was now removed from their position and is now banned from participating in activities related to Weverse Magazine. The statement also revealed that the personnel under the former editor-in-chief have now stopped their monitoring tasks.
Weverse Magazine added, "We apologize once again for the unsavory comments and the inconvenience caused (by this incident)."
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Written by Israel Monte
