In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the K-pop community, Lee Jaesang, CEO of HYBE, issued an apology letter addressing the fallout from the controversial “Music Industry Report.” Initially intended for a select group of industry leaders, the document contained inappropriate and provocative content that has raised serious concerns among fans and artists alike.
The report included explicit expressions aimed at K-pop artists, along with personal opinions and evaluations from the author, which were deemed unprofessional and harmful. In light of the backlash, HYBE has taken decisive action by dismissing the author of the report. This response indicates the company’s commitment to addressing the issues raised and acknowledging the inappropriate nature of the content.
Further complicating the situation, reports from Daily Sports suggest that Bang Sihyuk, the company’s founder and former CEO, was aware of the report’s contents and involved in its creation. This revelation has led to questions about the internal processes at HYBE and the values that guide its treatment of artists.
The implications of this incident extend beyond internal corporate matters; they touch on broader themes of respect and representation within the K-pop industry. The document allegedly contained defamatory comments that criticized the skills and appearances of various K-pop groups. Such remarks not only undermine the hard work and dedication of these artists but also contribute to a toxic environment that can affect their mental health and public image.
As fans rally around their favorite artists in response to this controversy, it is essential for companies like HYBE to foster a culture of support and understanding. The K-pop industry thrives on the connection between artists and fans, and any erosion of that trust can have lasting consequences.
As the CEO of HYBE, I extend my sincere apologies regarding the HYBE monitoring document.
Regarding our monitoring document that was highlighted during the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee audit on October 24, I deeply apologize to the artists, industry stakeholders, and fans.
This document was created as part of a process to retrospectively gather various reactions and public opinions on industry trends and issues. Although it was intended to be shared only with a limited number of leaders to understand market and fan sentiments, the content was highly inappropriate. The document contained provocative and explicit expressions directed at K-pop artists, included personal opinions and evaluations of the author, and was preserved in written form. As the representative of the company, I acknowledge all the mistakes and take full responsibility. I am particularly sorry and distressed about the unfounded suspicions of reverse viral marketing that are not true at all, causing misunderstandings and harm to innocent artists and individuals.
I formally and respectfully apologize to the external artists mentioned in the document who have suffered damage and distress. We are also reaching out to each agency individually to offer our apologies directly. Additionally, I am also sincerely extending an official apology to all the artists of HYBE Music Group who have been subjected to criticism due to the company.
I acknowledge the lack of awareness among the leadership who received the document and, as CEO, I have immediately halted the creation of such monitoring documents. I promise to establish guidelines and strengthen internal controls to prevent such issues from occurring again.
Once again, I apologize to the artists, industry stakeholders, fans, and everyone who loves and supports K-pop for the pain caused by this incident. As the company’s representative, I commit to thorough reflection and self-examination to rectify past mistakes and prioritize the rights of all K-pop artists and respect for fans. We will do our utmost to contribute to the healthy development of the K-pop industry.
Thank you.
HYBE CEO Lee Jae Sang
Moving forward, it is crucial for HYBE and similar companies to implement stricter guidelines and training for their staff to ensure that all communications are respectful and constructive. Transparency in how reports and evaluations are handled can help restore faith among artists and fans alike.
In conclusion, while Lee Jaesang’s apology is a step in the right direction, the incident serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with leadership in the entertainment industry. It highlights the need for ongoing dialogue about respect, representation, and the impact of words in shaping the narratives around artists. The K-pop community deserves a supportive environment where talent is celebrated, not critiqued in harmful ways.
