Bang Si-hyuk Allegedly Proposed ‘High Salary’ to Weverse Executive for Creating Leaked HYBE Internal Reports

On October 31, 2024, allegations emerged against HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, suggesting that he offered a lucrative salary to a Weverse executive for the preparation of a contentious internal report. This report was initially highlighted on October 24 during the National Assembly Audit by Min Hyun-bae, a representative from the Democratic Party of Korea.

According to a report by Sports Seoul, a source from the industry revealed that Bang Si-hyuk consistently keeps himself informed about online trends and fan discussions surrounding various idols and K-pop artists across all social media channels.

“The Bang Si-hyuk I am familiar with is someone who diligently scans all bulletin boards. He has a keen sensitivity toward industry shifts and opinions. Director K would comprehensively review diverse fandom discussion boards, including X (formerly known as Twitter), and synthesize all relevant information he uncovered.”

The source within the industry claimed that the Director of Weverse Magazine worked diligently over the years to compile the controversial internal report for Chairman Bang Si-hyuk and other senior executives.

“He compensated Director K with hundreds of millions of won each year and tasked him with responsibilities beyond those of media or critics. The Weverse Magazine overseen by Director K was merely one of many duties. Their relationship extends beyond mere acquaintances; they share a very close bond.”

Chairman Bang Si-hyuk Allegedly Aware of Internal Report

Reports indicate that Bang Si-hyuk, the founder and chairman of HYBE Corporation, was cognizant of and participated in the distribution of the controversial internal documents among senior management. This comes amid increasing scrutiny over various K-pop groups, raising concerns about the ethical responsibilities and accountability of the company’s management practices.

The internal document is said to have included sensitive and potentially hurtful information regarding several prominent K-pop groups, such as Stray Kids, NCT, BLACKPINK, Vespa, TWICE, IVE, and more. Critics allege that it contained derogatory and regressive remarks regarding the idols’ appearances, height, visual appeal, and cosmetic procedures.

However, during the National Assembly Audit on October 24, 2024, HYBE contended that the disputed internal report was merely a collection of online fan comments related to each K-pop group. On October 29, 2024, it was revealed that the company terminated the employee responsible for compiling the report.

In an exclusive disclosure by Sports Seoul, another insider from a competing entertainment agency (identity withheld for confidentiality) characterized the document as unethical in many respects. The insider stated,

“HYBE commands over 50% of the K-pop market. It should not operate merely as an entertainment entity. If they undermine other artists, it inevitably reflects back on their own talent. They merely obscured their own while depicting others negatively.”

Sports Seoul further reported that former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin sent an email to HYBE on April 16, 2024, emphasizing the lack of impartiality in the controversial internal report, which had been shared with her and other executives weekly. Previously, Min Hee-jin had expressed worries concerning the development of a damaging document that belittles other K-pop artists.

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