The situation regarding HYBE’s “Idol Report”intensified on October 30, 2024, as reported by South Korean outlet Hankyoreh. Allegations surfaced claiming that Bang Si-hyuk had directed the inclusion of Zico in the distribution list for a document known to contain disparaging remarks about K-pop idols’ appearances.
This document drew significant criticism after its contents were leaked during a National Assembly audit on October 24, leading to widespread backlash from fans and the general public. Supposedly leaked emails suggested that Bang personally told Zico, the head of KOZ Entertainment, a subsidiary of HYBE, to expect the “Weekly Music Industry Report III.”
Fans took to social media to voice their frustration, pointing out that the controversy only seems to be worsening. The report’s contentious remarks, reportedly aimed at idols from various agencies, sparked significant outrage, particularly due to the implications for underage idols.
A user on platform X, @malicdxb, commented,
“It’s becoming disturbing each day!!.”
“Is he attempting to involve Zico in this mess??,”a netizen chimed in.
“It’s clear why KOZ and Zico are being used as shields; they’re the ones who’ve kept to themselves and avoided the drama,”another user commented on X.
Some netizens expressed sympathy for Zico, calling out the actions of the music label.
“So HYBE is trying to set Zico up now??? ZICO, TAKE YOUR GROUP AND LEAVE ASAP……,”a fan remarked.
“Why does it seem like Zico’s name is being pushed to divert attention from BangPD’s involvement? Ugh, HYBE is using artists as shields again,”another user observed on X.
According to Hankyoreh, Zico addressed the issue via Instagram, asserting that he was not aware of any emails regarding the report, as the emails remained unread. His fans felt that this was an attempt by the label to shift focus away from the ongoing controversies.
“ZICO is handling this situation with such maturity and transparency, respect!,”noted another netizen.
“What’s with HYBE hurting Zico? He hasn’t gained anything since joining the label… HYBE is the most disgusting company in history,”an X user expressed.
Zico’s Clarification on His Involvement and the Controversy of HYBE’s Internal Reports
In the wake of these revelations, HYBE’s CEO, Lee Jae-sang, issued an apology acknowledging the inappropriate tone of the language within the report. There was increased scrutiny surrounding Bang’s direct involvement in disseminating the report especially following the abrupt departure of Kang Myung-seok, the former Weverse Magazine director and the report’s author, just one day earlier.
Records indicate that earlier in January 2022, Bang had supposedly instructed Kang to include Zico in the distribution emails, hinting at a possible oversight in this matter. Insiders noted that Zico might have been initially omitted to spare him any discomfort given his status as an artist.
Amid this turmoil, Zico utilized his Instagram Stories to clarify his position. He insisted he had not seen the report nor opened any related emails, only discovering his name on the recipient list through news articles. He stated,
“What’s happening…. A report was released today. I thought I’d check it out and communicate with you directly. I’ve never seen the document or opened the email itself… I only found out about my recipient status from today’s piece, and I wish to prevent any misunderstandings.”
He took additional steps to clarify the situation by confirming with KOZ Entertainment that he had not engaged with any of the documents in question.
As of now, HYBE Corporation has not provided any public statements regarding the ongoing situation involving Bang Si-hyuk and Zico.
Images Credit: We.com
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