Wednesday, October 30, 2024

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"Add Zico (to the recipient list) as well" ... HYBE Chairman Bang Sihyuk directly orders the 'Idol Report' to be shared to Zico

 

Amid the growing backlash over HYBE’s reports which became controversial because it contains highly critical evaluations of other idols' appearances, it was revealed on the 30th that HYBE Chairman Bang Sihyuk had directly instructed senior executives to distribute this document. The dismissal of former head of Weverse Magazine, Kang Myungseok, who was reportedly involved in the creation of the reports, raises possibility regarding Chairman Bang's responsibility in the matter.

According to an email obtained by Hankyoreh dated 6 January 2022, Bang Sihyuk replied to a "Weekly Music Industry Report III" shared by Kang Myungseok, requesting, “Please add Zico to the document distribution list.” The recipients of the email included Kim Jooyoung, who was then Chief Human Resources Officer and now CEO of HYBE subsidiary ADOR.

Rapper Zico, who is also a former member of Block B, was added as a recipient because KOZ Ent., the agency he founded in 2018, was acquired by HYBE in November 2020. Since Zico is now the representative of HYBE's sub-label, he became a part of the report's recipient list. This report is published every week and sent to HYBE's C-level executives and label heads. A source suggested, "Zico wasn’t initially included after the acquisition, perhaps due to concerns about his reaction as an artist himself."

On 28 June 2023, Bang Sihyuk sent an email to Kang Myunseok, saying "Please add ㅇㅇ (to the report's distribution list)", to which Kang Myungseok responded, "Yes, he has been added."

As it is revealed that Bang Sihyuk was directly involved in overseeing the report's contents and managed the recipients, he may face further responsibility. HYBE has already let go of Kang Myungseok from his position on the 29th. HYBE's CEO, Lee Jaesang, publicly apologized, saying "The document was compiled to gather various responses and public opinions on industry trends and issues. While it was shared only with a limited number of leadership members for the purpose of understanding the public opinion of the market and among fans, the content of the document was highly inappropriate. On behalf of the company, I acknowledge the wrongdoing and feel responsible for the report that contained provocative expressions towards K-pop artists, the subjective views and personal judgment of the document's author, and the fact that such content was documented."

HYBE has since stated that they have no additional comments beyond CEO Jaesang Lee’s public apology regarding the emails exchanged between Bang Sihyuk and Kang Myungseok.

https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/028/0002713839?sid=103

theqoo

-It's so unbelievable how Bang Sihyuk is trying to cut ties after causing all this messㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-I feel like this company is the root of all evil in Kpop.

-Considering this document circulated only among top executives, I figured Zico would be a recipient too.

-ㅋㅋㅋ It's all starting to get revealed now.

-He was an idol before he got into his current position now, though... Wow...

-I'm not even surprised at all...

-The fact that Min Heejin was the only one who raised concerns is both surprising and unsurprising.

-I mean... This guy has a history from even his Cyworld days...

-HYBE is truly a force of evil. Destroy them.

-I wonder if he's still going to try deny it...

-Told y'all that they're all in this together.

-To me, this sounds like they're trying to shift the blame onto Zico, though...

-Bang Sihyuk is so pathetic. What is he doing now? Doing a hamburger mukbang in the US?

Continue reading "Add Zico (to the recipient list) as well" ... HYBE Chairman Bang Sihyuk directly orders the 'Idol Report' to be shared to Zico
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Seventeen's fandom start mass-submitting complaints on National Petition Platform against HYBE

 

 

For complaints to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST)

Title: 

Request for investigation into HYBE's alleged media collusion, threats to press, and illegal forensic practices

Content:

1. Request for investigation into allegations of abnormal media collusion and intimidation of media outlets

2. Request for investigation into allegations of illegal surveillance and leakage of employees' and artists' personal information, as well as customer data leaks.

3. Request for investigation into allegations of illegal forensic analysis on the employees' personal social media accounts. 

For complaints to the Ministry of Employment and Labor

Title:

Request for investigation into HYBE's alleged cover-up of an employee's death due to overwork and controversy over selection as 'Top Job Creation Company'

Content:

1. Controversy over selection as 'Top Job Creation Company'

HYBE was previously selected as a candidate through the 'National Recommendation' process and inspection by the Seoul Western Employment and Labor Office. However, the company has been showing the total opposite with recent incidents including allegations of abuse towards outsourced producers, workplace bullying, and cover-up of an employee's death from overwork. Their selection as the 'Top Job Creation Company' is requested to be revoked as soon as possible.

2. Cover-up an employee's death from overwork

There has been allegations that HYBE has been covering-up an employee's death from overwork at HYBE HQ in 2022. CHRO Kim Jooyoung said the death was related to the employee's personal health condition, but there was no industrial accident claim was filed. Therefore we request for a thorough investigation.

3. Abusing outsource producer

Request for investigation on allegations of abuse of power, defamation, and scapegoating by HYBE toward an outsource company 'Dolphin Kidnappers'

It's very simple, so it'd be great if we all contribute...! 

theqoo 

-Let's go

-This is very cool. I should contribute as well.

-Seventeen fans are really amazingㅠ

-Oh... I should do this as well.

-Let’s all do this together.

-That's right. Even with all these controversies, why hasn't their 'Top Job Creation Company' title been revoked yet?

-The strength of Seventeen's fans is 👍🏻 Since this is something everyone can join, let's do it together!!

-Fighting, Seventeen's fans! It's impressive how united and impactful they are.

-Oh, I should join as well. Thank you, Seventeen's fans.

-I'm so proud to see that a fandom can do this far. Now this is what you call a positive influence!!! Fighting.

-I submitted mine earlier already.

-Anyone who hates HYBE should join this.

-Seventeen's fans are so cool, fighting!

-This is great. I'll report HYBE too once I have spare time.

-I should submit a report as well. Fighting!

-Seventeen's fans are truly impressive.

-I'm rooting for you guys.

Continue reading Seventeen's fandom start mass-submitting complaints on National Petition Platform against HYBE

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

[HYBE] We Sincerely Apologize Regarding the Monitoring Document

 

As the CEO of HYBE, I offer my apologies regarding the recent issues surrounding HYBE’s monitoring document.

I bow my head in apology to the artists, industry colleagues, and fans regarding the monitoring document that was brought up during the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee audit on October 24.

The document was compiled to gather various responses and public opinions on industry trends and issues. While it was shared only with a limited number of leadership members for the purpose of understanding the public opinion of the market and among fans, the content of the document was highly inappropriate. On behalf of the company, I acknowledge the wrongdoing and feel responsible for the report that contained provocative expressions towards K-pop artists, the subjective views and personal judgment of the document's author, and the fact that such content was documented. In particular, I am very sorry that the false suspicions of reverse marketing have led to misunderstandings and also harmed innocent artists and individuals.

I offer a formal and respectful apology to the external artists mentioned in the document who may have been hurt or impacted. We are reaching out to each agency individually to extend personal apologies. We are also conveying an official apology with heartfelt sincerity to all HYBE Music Group artists who are unfairly facing criticism due to this issue.

Recognizing the lack of awareness by leadership members who received the document, I have, as CEO, immediately halted the creation of such monitoring documents. I promise to implement guidelines and strengthen internal controls to prevent this from ever happening again.

Once again, I apologize sincerely to the artists and industry colleagues who were affected, to the fans, and to everyone who loves and supports K-pop. As the representative of the company, I pledge to thoroughly correct past mistakes through profound reflection and self-examination and to make every effort to ensure the healthy development of the K-pop industry with the utmost respect for the rights of all K-pop artists and fans.

Thank you,

HYBE CEO, Lee Jaesang

https://hybecorp.com/kor/news/announcements/content/6647

theqoo

(comments not available yet, will be translated soon)

Continue reading [HYBE] We Sincerely Apologize Regarding the Monitoring Document

Incident at Seventeen's pre-recording site for their new song raises safety concerns ... HYBE responds to fans' protest: "We will compensate if there's proof"

 

https://naver.me/xExiGva9

According to the music industry on the 29th, SEVENTEEN held a pre-recording for their new track "Love, Money, Fame" on October 15 at the CJ ENM Studio Center in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, for Mnet's M Countdown. A fan, identified as A, shared a post on social media on the 22nd, titled "Demand for Official Apology for SEVENTEEN’s October 15th Pre-Recording Safety Issues on M Countdown." This post has since been reposted over 1,000 times on X, gathering significant attention.

A claimed, "The narrow studio can barely hold 1,600 people, and yet it was overcrowded with 1,700 fans. Fans in the floor section reportedly felt severe pressure from being pushed on all sides and many fans fainted or fell ill to the point they had to be carried off during the performance." A also added, "In order to enter the venue, fans were required to wear varsity jackets that were provided before entry. Due to the thickness of the varsity jackets, a lot of fans fainted and dehydrated."

A also said, "The victims had to sit or lay down on the asphalt floor because there was no space, even after leaving the venue." Despite staff collecting personal information from affected fans as they left, A emphasized that the agency has not followed up with any further measures.

Through Weverse Customer Center, A said, "We are delivering our dissatisfaction over the unsafe conditions that fans had to face at the pre-recording." However, the response only stated, "We can only provide assistance for matters that occur at the scene. We ask for your understanding." In response, A criticized, "Pledis, HYBE, and CJ ENM are all large and influential companies. However, they are consistently neglecting and disregarding the safety of the fans."

A mentioned to Daily Sports that they filed a report to the Korea Consumer Agency on the 18th and were able to receive a response from the agency that said, "If fans want to receive compensation, they should submit data such as photos or videos evidence of the situation at the time."

Contd

In response, HYBE stated, "The number of attendees and security personnel was determined in accordance with the broadcaster’s guidelines. We already took measures on-site, such as providing access to resting areas and beverages."

Meanwhile, M Countdown officials stated, "No further comment is available at this time."

theqoo

-Look at HYBE's response. These bastardsㅋㅋㅋ They're so unbelievable.

-But it's prohibited to film at the f*cking venue.

-It was a pre-recording, so filming was obviously prohibited. And now they're asking fans to submit photo and video as evidence? Are they out of their mind?

-As expected from cheap HYBEㅋ

-They're asking fans to submit photo and video from a no-filming site? Does that mean we are allowed to film HYBE's idols at pre-recordings now?

-How could there be evidence at a no-filming site? Are they kidding?

-How can fans f*cking submit photo and video as evidenceㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-This is a safety issue. Shouldn't they take this seriously?

-They'd make a big deal for taking out or phones at the pre-recording and now they're asking for evidence? Are they insane?ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-This is ridiculous...

-I bet if fans actually submit a photo or video as evidence, they would get blacklisted right awayㅋㅋㅋ These bastards are out of their minds.

-They didn't allow phones at the pre-recording sites and now they're asking for photos and videos?ㅋㅋ This is very sickening. 'Got evidence? See, you don't have any!!'

-Wouldn't you get blacklisted if you took out a camera at the pre-recording site? And now they're asking for photos and videos?

-They don't even see fans as human...

Continue reading Incident at Seventeen's pre-recording site for their new song raises safety concerns ... HYBE responds to fans' protest: "We will compensate if there's proof"
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Seventeen Seungkwan shares a lengthy post ... "He's so brave" vs "This is not the right timing for it"


https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20241029010015886

On the 29th, Seungkwan posted on his social media, saying, “I no longer want to see people getting hurt,” adding, "I've been observing the many things that have happened, thinking that these all somehow will pass, as I work hard with my members as always. However, I now feel that I can no longer hope for things to pass and remain silent, for the sake of my people who are being hurt: my fans, my members, and all my hardworking colleagues."

Seungkwan explained that he found the courage to write this post. He expressed, “Being a celebrity is a choice I made. Receiving a lot of love does come with sacrifices. But I don’t believe it’s a profession where you have to endure pain to the point that you feel like dying just to get by.” He added, “Even so, we have to keep going. I must bear the burden because it’s the path I chose, but today, that reason feels painfully unfair.”

Seungkwan continued, "This must start from myself, but I hope we can all become just a bit warmer to each other. If we can support and love each other and treat each other kindly, perhaps things will get a little better.” He ended his post by saying, “I don’t want to see my colleagues, the staff who are working sincerely for us all, and fans getting hurt. I want to say that I’m sorry, and I love you all.”

After that recent post, a lot of people voiced their support towards Seungkwan, commenting, “It took courage for Seungkwan to speak up,” and “It couldn’t have been easy, but I support him.”

However, there are also some people who have different views. Recently, messages allegedly circulated among Seventeen's fan community, calling for boycotts and demanding the resignation of certain executives. These demands arose in response to HYBE’s issues, including Chairman Bang Sihyuk’s potential attendance at a government audit and HYBE’s ongoing tax investigation. With Seungkwan’s post coming shortly after, some wondered if he was trying to appease fans.

theqoo

-He may get mixed opinions, but it's a good thing that he spoke up. What's the point of the last paragraph, though? Is the reporter saying that Seungkwan only said something because fans are boycotting? Because that's completely wrong.

-Either way, what matters is that he spoke up. Asia Today has been constantly posting weird, criticism-filled articles since the National Assembly audit. Get lost.

-I think it's admirable for idols to speak up like this. It doesn't matter if the writing is good or not.

-Honestly, those who criticize Seungkwan for speaking up must be related to HYBE. Speaking up is not an easy thing to do to begin with.

-I don't get why people think the timing is vague... I'm rooting for him.

-If not now, then when is the right time to speak up? I personally think his post is very well-written.

-I'm rooting for him.

-I think he's very brave for speaking up. I support him. 

-Seungkwan is a very good person for speaking up amidst such a difficult situation. No wonder why his fans are so proud of him. He's really cool.

-What do you mean? This is exactly the perfect timing to speak upㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-He gets hate for not speaking up and still gets hate for speaking up. That's bullshit. 

-I'm an SM Stan and I think Seungkwan is very cool for doing this.

-At least he's so much braver and more thoughtful than that other guy who posted a baseball picture amid all of this. 

Continue reading Seventeen Seungkwan shares a lengthy post ... "He's so brave" vs "This is not the right timing for it"
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WannaOne Mentioned in HYBE Document

 

2023-06-21

ZB1

Teaser

: It hasn't even been a week since the trailer video was released, but it got around 1.28 M views. The narration and the overall video composition and editing are made from things borrowed from various places, and even so, the setting in the scenes don’t connect well. There are other teams coming out in July besides ZB1, so I'm curious how long they can keep fooling themselves.

: Their reality show has a camping concept, the actual broadcast is on Thursdays, but there've already posted a few pre-release videos. And honestly, it's really really boring. WannaOne's reality show also had somehow distant and tense atmosphere among the members, and I think this team is no different at all. In contrast, BOYNEXTDOOR have been practicing together for a longer period. I think it would be better for them to continue showcasing their teamwork while also showing their competitive side.

WannaOne's reality show also had somehow distant and tense atmosphere among the members

?????????

I'm sure they actually haven't watched any episodes of it.

theqoo

-It’s been over 5 years since WannaOne disbanded, and they’re still bringing it up. I wonder how they would be if WannaOne was still active.

-What did they even watch...? Are we even watching the same thing?

-WannaOne's content were famous for being really fun... What a nonsenseㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-I watched WannaOne's content because it was really fun, even though I'm not a fun. Which part of it was tense...?

-All of WannaOne’s variety shows had a good atmosphere and were funny. This is so stupidㅋㅋㅋ

-What are they talking about... WannaOne's reality show was really funㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-WannaOne's still f*cking relevant even until this secondㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-I still watch WannaOne's Mafia game even now. What are they talking about?

-WannaOne is considered legendary in terms of reality shows, though.

-I have never heard anyone used the word 'WannaOne' and 'distant' in one sentence.

-Did they really not watch anything? WannaOne was the real deal in terms of reality showsㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ The way they still get threatened by WannaOne even after all these years ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

Continue reading WannaOne Mentioned in HYBE Document

The most shocking comment from HYBE's report in my opinion

 

Baby Monster

Member Reveal

: Korean member Rora and Japanese member Asa have been revealed. It seems likeAsa was cast when she was in elementary school, but her Korean accent and speech patterns are so natural that it has become somewhat of an issue. This means that there isn’t much else drawing attention to her.

: Though they were promoted with the image of 'daughter of a rich family', NewJeans has taken a significant lead in this image, raising the bar for such image over the past year. Overall, the members all have natural images but they lack in terms of striking appearances that would make online communities interested in them.

: They kinda have similar vibes to NMIXX, which is very suspicious. The way they excessively reveal Yang Hyunsuk's opinions on the girls suggest that there may be some business reasons behind it. I wonder if Park Jinyoung or Yang Hyunsuk's perceptions of women's appearances changed once they have daughters. Rather than saying they couldn't find talent for the centers, I'd say the members all share similar vibes in general.

Nonsense about how Yang Hyunsuk and Park Jinyoung's preferences in aesthetics would change if they ever had daughters... My ass. 

theqoo

-They must have serious inferiority complex towards Park Jinyoung, judging from the way they talk about JYP's female idols and this...

-What is this...? I can't believe my eyes even after reading it... Are they crazy?

-It's so dumb-founding to hear them talk about NMIXX and Baby Monster like this. The girls are all very beautiful and talented, they must be crazy. The report itself is very disgusting to begin with.

-Their level is so low that I'm at a loss for words.

-How can anyone say something like that? Seriously.

-I can't imagine how rotten their brain is to think that having a daughter will distort (Park Jinyoung and Yang Hyunsuk's) perceptions of women. I have never heard such nonsense in my entire life. They must not see women as human to be able to say something like that.

-They're not human at this point.

-Park Jinyoung and Yang Hyunsuk really need to sue them at this point.

-It's one thing for Park Jinyoung, but this is the first time I actually feel sorry for Yang Hyunsukㅋㅋㅋㅋ HYBE must've gone insane for real.

-They must be completely out of their minds.

-They're way of thinking is just... insane.

-You're telling me that this is what a company report looks like??

-They really need to be sued for writing this...

-This is insane... They really need to be sued.

-Are they really human??

-HYBE-ya, what makes you any different from Sojang?

Continue reading The most shocking comment from HYBE's report in my opinion