SEVENTEEN Fanbase Boycotts HYBE Over Controversial Internal Document Leak

Currently, a significant controversy is surrounding HYBE and its popular boy band SEVENTEEN. Reports reveal that CARATs, the dedicated fanbase of SEVENTEEN, are demanding improved treatment for the group and initiating a boycott against the company.

On October 24, 2024, the release of internal documents suggested that SEVENTEEN may have been adversely affected by purported misconduct within HYBE. This information surfaced during an audit conducted by the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee.

Fans have speculated that HYBE may have prioritized financial gain over the welfare of SEVENTEEN and its members. Allegedly, certain practices within the organization could be viewed as detrimental to the group, potentially perceiving other artists as competitors in a profit-driven framework.

This situation has led to criticism directed towards HYBE for its inconsistent support of artists. Many fans argue that the company has failed to shield SEVENTEEN’s members from manipulative media narratives and online negativity. Recently, member Boo Seungkwan expressed his frustrations on Instagram, highlighting that idols are individuals entitled to respect and fair treatment.

Consequently, fans are urging for greater transparency and stronger protective measures for the group and other artists under the HYBE umbrella. This movement signifies increasing discontent among fans who feel that the management practices of HYBE may not be in the best interest of the talent it represents.

Fan reactions to this controversy include:

“HYBE is clearly trying to separate SEVENTEEN right in front of our eyes, but when we raised our voices about it, nobody believed CARATs,” a fan commented.

“It’s incredibly frustrating how SEVENTEEN has been the target of hate from other fandoms lately, especially with accusations that HYBE manipulated the charts for their daesang award. Clearly, HYBE does not care for SEVENTEEN or any of its artists. We’re TIRED,” another fan stated.

“I can’t wait for their contract to expire so they can leave this label, or Pledis should cut ties. If that’s not feasible, all members should avoid renewing individual contracts if HYBE continues failing to protect them,” a fan expressed.

SEVENTEEN Allegedly Mismanaged by HYBE

Recently leaked internal documents from HYBE have sparked significant outcry, revealing the company’s awareness of negative media coverage affecting SEVENTEEN over the years.

Fans perceive these documents as “evidence”of HYBE’s insufficient support for SEVENTEEN during crucial events.

Examples cited include Joshua’s dating scandal, which was left to run rampant in the media without any intervention from the company, as well as Mingyu’s dating rumors with Jeon Somi and Woozi’s plagiarism allegations related to AI interference—a major concern given his role as the group’s main songwriter.

Supporters feel that during these instances, HYBE’s silence left Woozi to confront the rumors alone. Moreover, fans were alarmed by HYBE’s inaction in response to death threats aimed at members, particularly towards S.Coups during his brief exemption from military service.

The recent findings imply that such situations may have been exploited as part of a calculated marketing strategy, leveraging negative coverage for publicity purposes. This revelation has unleashed a wave of disappointment and frustration within the fan community.

According to Koreaboo, in reaction to these developments, CARATs have initiated a boycott against HYBE, canceling orders, refraining from renewals of fan memberships, and halting merchandise purchases. Fans argue that these purchases predominantly benefit HYBE rather than SEVENTEEN, and by withdrawing their financial backing, they aim to communicate their dissatisfaction with the company’s management of the group.

Instead, CARATs have turned their focus to directly supporting the group by streaming their music and voting for them in major award shows.

Furthermore, fans are increasingly advocating for SEVENTEEN to operate independently under Pledis Entertainment, free from HYBE’s interference. They believe that detaching the group from HYBE would allow it to reclaim its narrative and receive the safeguarding it rightly deserves.

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