“Is it Really True?” — Online Reactions to HYBE’s Allegations of Secretly Investigating NewJeans Fans for Malicious Content Spread

On October 3, 2023, a user on the Korean online forum TheQoo claimed that HYBE was conducting a covert investigation into NewJeans’ fanbase. The post was titled, “HYBE is now resorting to investigating the identities of NewJeans’ fans.”Interestingly, the individual who shared this information identified as a fan of NewJeans.

The netizen cautioned HYBE to cease its alleged investigations into the fans of NewJeans and their online activities. However, many other users defended the company, pointing out that HYBE has consistently stated their intention to take legal action against anyone spreading malicious content about their artists.

As background, HYBE and ADOR’s board terminated Min Hee-jin as CEO of ADOR in August 2024, leading to dissatisfaction from NewJeans, who demanded her reinstatement. This decision has since escalated tensions between NewJeans and HYBE, aggravating the group’s followers.

The majority of users on X supported HYBE’s investigative measures aimed at fans who reportedly “crossed a line”with derogatory remarks regarding the artists. In September 2024, HYBE launched a web portal encouraging netizens to report tweets, posts, videos, and user accounts disseminating defamatory material targeting its artists.

Meanwhile, an X user expressed skepticism about the validity of the netizen’s claims on TheQoo, stating:

“If it is true then that was a very terrible action. But is it really true?”

Other users emphasized that anyone “who makes threats or deliberately spreads lies”about any HYBE artists should be subject to investigation. They expressed support for the company’s alleged investigative actions.

“Don’t you understand that if a fan makes a complaint and it is not processed, HYBE has every right to find out who made the complaint and file a counter-complaint?”an X user wrote.

“Anyone who makes threats or deliberately spreads lies about artists must expect to be sued by HYBE. To do this, HYBE has to find out the identities. Anyone who is so reckless as to post fake videos and comments online must face consequences. Self-blame, no pity,”another user added.

“Ehh — fans don’t know their limits. At this point, I support HYBE in this situation because some fans truly don’t recognize boundaries. I’m not surprised they are taking this action; they have every right to protect their interests,”another user commented.

However, some criticized HYBE, calling it “evil”for supposedly targeting NewJeans fans.

“Not surprised, everybody knows HYBE is an evil company,”an X user remarked.

“HYBE should remember that without the fans, there would be no K-pop, and consequently, no HYBE,”another user noted.

“How low can HYBE go?”one more user questioned.

HYBE Launches a Web Portal to Safeguard Artists’ Rights Amidst Feud with Min Hee-jin and NewJeans

NewJeans’ request to reinstate Min Hee-jin as ADOR’s CEO was rejected by ADOR’s board during the shareholders’ meeting held on September 25, 2024. Min Hee-jin had filed on September 12 to pursue an injunction for an emergency shareholders’ meeting scheduled for October 11, 2024, aiming for her reappointment as ADOR’s CEO.

Amid this turmoil, on September 23, 2024, HYBE unveiled protect.hybecorp.com—a dedicated web portal where fans can report user accounts and posts categorized as follows:

• Rumor/False Information
• Sexual Harassment
• AI Deepfake Abuse
• Stalking/” Sasaeng” Behavior
• Threats to Artist’s Safety
• Sale of Flight Information
• Fraudulent Viral Marketing
• Defamation/Insult

In an official statement on their website, HYBE explained that this portal is intended for fans to help safeguard their favorite artists by flagging concerning and harmful content.

“The website will replace the existing legal response hotlines, as we have integrated all artists’ reporting channels into one unified system. This portal is designed to help fans report defamatory posts and copyright infringements, enabling faster and more systematic responses,”they stated.

HYBE emphasized that they actively monitor platforms like Telegram, X, and Discord to combat deepfake content aimed at their artists.

“We closely monitor domestic and international platforms, including Telegram, X (formerly Twitter), and Discord, for deepfake-related content. Based on findings from our internal surveillance and the reports received, we are collaborating with investigative authorities to coordinate a joint response,”HYBE added.

This new portal has replaced HYBE’s previous email address “[email protected],”utilized for reporting individuals spreading defamatory content against idols.

In related news, ADOR’s board appointed Kim Joo-young, a former Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at HYBE, as the new CEO of ADOR. For context, ADOR is a subsidiary label under HYBE Corporation, which owns 80% of ADOR’s shares.

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