HYBE CEO apologizes for leaked document criticizing K-pop stars and more

HYBE CEO Lee Jae-Sang has publicly apologized after the company's internal “Weekly Music Industry Report” was partially leaked, which boasted of derogatory remarks about the K-pop industry, including some young artists.

The letter comes from a court hearing on Thursday (October 24) on the HYBE audit conducted by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee of South Korea's National Assembly. The Korea Herald reported that representatives of the Democratic Party Min Hyung-bae revealed the weekly document during the heart. The document reportedly runs to approximately 18,000 pages and Min noted that the document contained unconfirmed rumors and sometimes harsh comments about very young artists, including minors, with alleged statements such as “They debuted at an age when they are the most unattractive.” “Surprisingly, none of them are pretty.”

In response to the leak, Lee apologized “to the artists, industry representatives and fans” who were upset by the revelations in a letter posted on the company's official website on Tuesday (October 29).

“This document was prepared as part of a process to retrospectively collect diverse responses and public opinions on industry trends and issues,” Lee wrote, clarifying that it was only made available to “a limited number of executives.” However, he acknowledged that it was “highly inappropriate” that the document contained “provocative and explicit statements against K-pop artists,” adding: “As a representative of the company, I acknowledge any errors and take full responsibility.” “

Lee added that HYBE is “reaching out to each agency individually to apologize directly,” and continued, “I also sincerely and formally apologize to all HYBE Music Group artists who have been criticized because of the company.”

Lee also promised to “establish policies and strengthen internal controls to prevent such issues from occurring again,” adding that the company has stopped producing such documents. Towards the end, he emphasized HYBE's commitment to the well-being of all artists and respect for fans, and committed to reforms that will positively contribute to the K-pop industry.

Read the full statement (with translations from Soompi) below:

As CEO of HYBE, I sincerely apologize for the HYBE monitoring document.

Regarding our monitoring document, which was highlighted during the review of the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee on October 24, I deeply apologize to the artists, industry representatives and fans.

This document was created as part of a process to retrospectively collect various reactions and public opinions on industry trends and topics. Although it was intended to be made available only to a limited number of executives to understand market and fan sentiment, the content was highly inappropriate. The document contained provocative and explicit statements aimed at K-pop artists, contained the author's personal opinions and assessments, and was preserved in written form. As a representative of the company, I acknowledge all errors and accept full responsibility. I am particularly saddened and disturbed by the unfounded suspicions of reverse viral marketing, which are not true at all and are causing misunderstanding and harm to innocent artists and individuals.

I formally and respectfully apologize to the external artists named in the document who have suffered harm and suffering. We are also reaching out to each agency individually to apologize directly. Furthermore, I would like to officially apologize to all HYBE Music Group artists who were criticized by the company.

I recognize the lack of awareness among the leadership who received the document and, as CEO, have immediately stopped the creation of such surveillance documents. I promise to establish policies and strengthen internal controls to prevent such problems from occurring again.

I apologize once again to the artists, industry representatives, fans and everyone who loves and supports K-Pop for the pain caused by this incident. As a representative of the company, I am committed to thorough reflection and introspection to correct past mistakes and prioritize the rights of all K-pop artists and the respect of fans. We will do our utmost to contribute to the healthy development of the K-Pop industry.

Thank you very much.
HYBE CEO Lee Jae-Sang