Kim Yeon-soo: PLEDIS Entertainment Appoints New CEO After HYBE Internal Document Leak

PLEDIS Entertainment Names Kim Yeon-soo New CEO Amidst Controversy

PLEDIS Entertainment has recently named Kim Yeon-soo as its new CEO, marking a significant leadership change following a scandal involving an internal document leak from its parent company, HYBE. The announcement was made on November 1, confirming that Yeon-soo, who previously served as the company’s vice president, will now steer the label’s future.

This shake-up comes after a widely publicized incident during a National Assembly audit on October 24, 2024, conducted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth. During this session, controversial comments regarding several K-pop groups, including SEVENTEEN’s Joshua, were revealed, sparking outrage among fans, particularly the fandom known as Carats.

Kim Yeon-soo, who joined PLEDIS in 2012, has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth over the years. Notably, he has also been acting as the CEO of HYBE Labels Japan since 2023, allowing him to oversee multiple labels under the HYBE umbrella.

Kim Yeon-soo’s Vision for PLEDIS Entertainment

Expressing his commitment to the new role, Kim Yeon-soo stated, “I will do my best to provide content that allows people to truly enjoy original entertainment while putting artists and fans first,”as reported by Daum News.

HYBE’s Response to Document Leak

In the aftermath of the document leak, HYBE CEO Lee Jae-sang publicly addressed the issue, issuing a formal apology on October 29. The revelation of the leaked internal document, dubbed ‘Industry Trends Data,’ was spearheaded by Democratic Party representative Min Hyung-bae, and it contained derogatory remarks about various K-pop artists.

During the National Assembly audit, HYBE COO Kim Tae-ho attended to clarify that the document did not reflect the agency’s official stance but rather compiled opinions shared by netizens. However, this explanation did little to quell the backlash from the K-pop community.

In his apology, Lee Jae-sang acknowledged the inappropriateness of the document’s content, expressing remorse for the distress caused to the artists involved. He stated, “I acknowledge all my mistakes and feel responsible on behalf of the company,”signaling a commitment to rectifying past oversights.

Furthermore, Lee made a commitment to engage directly with artists from other agencies mentioned in the document, reinforcing a pledge for improvement and prioritizing the rights and interests of K-pop artists moving forward. He concluded with assurances of reflecting and addressing past mistakes through a renewed focus on respect for fans and artists alike.

PLEDIS Entertainment: A Snapshot

PLEDIS Entertainment, known for its roster of popular groups such as SEVENTEEN, fromis_9, TWS, Baekho, Bumzu, and Hwang Min-hyun, was initially acquired by BIGHIT Entertainment in 2020. This acquisition paved the way for the formation of HYBE Corporation, which now oversees multiple labels, further shaping the landscape of the K-pop industry.

As PLEDIS enters this new chapter under Kim Yeon-soo’s leadership, fans and industry observers alike will be keenly watching to see how the agency addresses recent controversies while fostering positive relationships with both artists and their fanbase.

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