Internal HYBE Document Exposes Unflattering Opinions on SM's New Girl Group Hearts2Hearts

SM Entertainment is generating buzz as it teases fans about its highly-anticipated K-pop girl group, Hearts2Hearts. However, amid the excitement, HYBE's controversial internal document resurfaced for taking shots at the members' visuals.

On January 13, netizens flocked to a community thread, titled, "The SM Rookies Must've Been Freaking Taken Aback When They Read HYBE's Internal Report."

The author (OP) shared an excerpt from the contentious file, which discussed the SMNGG members, who were still trainees at that time.

The trainees, as per the document, were put in the spotlight due to HYBE's rookie team from the survival program R U NEXT?

"SM's new girl group has been making buzz supposedly because of talk surrounding HYBE's rookie team from R U NEXT?" it said. "Apparently, around eight candidates have been shortlisted. But surprisingly, none of them are particularly attractive."

The statement went on, "It's worth pondering if the agency is working with a completely inexperienced trainee lineup. However, it could just be that SM's preferences have changed, given the noise over visuals when (omitted group name) debuted."

Countering the file's sharp comments, OP attached a collage photo of the Hearts2Hearts members, and captioned, "There's not one ugly kid here."

On October 29, 2024, HYBE Labels CEO Lee Jae Sang apologized for the monitoring file that targeted numerous artists, including ones from leading entertainment agencies SM, JYP, and YG.

The CEO clarified that the document was made to track trends and reactions. Despite its intention to analyze feedback, public behavior, and demands, Lee stated that the document was still inappropriate in nature.