National Assembly Audit Exposes HYBE’s Alleged Derogatory Remarks About Underage Idols in Internal Documents

On October 24, 2024, a report by South Korea’s Yonhap News brought light to a significant issue surrounding HYBE during a National Assembly audit. Democratic Party lawmaker Min Hyung-bae expressed his apprehensions regarding internal trend data from the company, which allegedly contained offensive remarks about the appearances of young idols, including some who are still minors.

This controversy arose during the audit held by the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee, where Kim Tae-ho, COO of HYBE, faced inquiries concerning the company’s internal documentation. Rep. Min presented information indicating that HYBE’s “Industry Trend Review”encompassed negative assessments regarding the looks of various idols.

Critics noted that several idols entered the industry at a challenging age, resulting in a lack of the typical idol aesthetics. There were also comments addressing concerns about the extent of plastic surgery some idols had undergone.

In defense of the reports, COO Kim Tae-ho clarified that they did not represent the official perspectives of the company. He explained that the remarks consisted of a compilation of online commentary and fan feedback, not reflective of HYBE’s viewpoint. He emphasized that the agency actively observes public sentiment regarding K-pop and its artists.

Further Insights on HYBE’s National Assembly Audit Report

The audit revealed that HYBE’s internal reports, crafted for executive review, incorporated harsh and derogatory feedback about different idols. These weekly publications, termed “Music Industry Reports,”included stern critiques of idols’ appearances, personal challenges, and talent evaluations, often focusing on artists from rival agencies.

The documentation also evaluated idol performances at significant events, including Coachella, highlighting a shift in fan support due to underwhelming performances. In response to the backlash, the organization maintained that the reports serve merely as a tool for internal tracking of industry and fan opinions and do not signify the label’s formal judgments.

This clarification followed earlier remarks from former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin about the potentially biased nature of these reports. Legal professionals voiced concerns regarding the risk of defamation due to the documents’ leakage beyond executive channels.

During the audit proceedings, CEO of Belift Lab Kim Tae-ho reiterated that these reports were intended to gauge public opinion but insisted that they do not represent official assessments of the artists by HYBE. He added that the information made public had been edited to include a broader range of industry insights beyond just negative critiques.

Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Yoo In-chon raised his own concerns, stating that, given HYBE’s global representation of South Korea, adhering to ethical business practices is crucial.

The audit also highlighted a wider issue of potential manipulation within the music industry, particularly concerning allegations linked to former members of the girl group Fifty Fifty. Minister Yoo advocated for greater self-regulation in the industry, citing the complexities of enacting legal measures to tackle these critical matters.

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