HYBE CEO Lee Jae-Sang Apologizes For Leaked Company Document Criticizing K-Pop Artists And More

CEO of HYBE Lee Jae-Sang shared a public apology following a partial leak of the company's internal “Music Industry Weekly Report,” which boasted disparaging comments about the K-pop industry, including some new artists.

The letter stemmed from a court hearing on Thursday (October 24) into the HYBE audit conducted by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee of South Korea's National Assembly. The Korea Herald was mentioned that representative of the Democratic Party Min Hyung-bae revealed the weekly paper during the heart. Reportedly covering some 18,000 pages, Rep. Min noted that the document contains unverified rumors and occasionally harsh comments about very young artists, including minors, with alleged statements such as: “They debuted at an age where they are not attractive,” and surprisingly, none of them are pretty.

In response to the leak, a letter from Lee published on official website of the company on Tuesday (October 29) apologized to “artists, industry players and fans” upset by the revelations.

“This document was created as part of a process to retrospectively gather various public reactions and opinions on industry trends and issues,” Lee wrote, clarifying that it was shared only with a “limited number of leaders.” However, he acknowledged that it was “highly inappropriate” for the document to contain “provocative and explicit expressions aimed at K-pop artists”, adding: “As a representative of the company, I acknowledge all mistakes and take full responsibility.”

Lee added that HYBE is “reaching out to each agency individually to apologize directly,” and continued, “I also sincerely apologize to all HYBE Music Group artists who have been criticized because of the agency.”

Lee further promised to “establish guidelines and strengthen internal controls to prevent such issues from reoccurring” and added that the company has stopped creating such documents. Near the end, he emphasized HYBE's dedication to the well-being of all artists and its respect for its fans, committing to reforms that aim to positively contribute to the K-pop industry.

Read the full statement (with translations provided by Soompi) below:

As the CEO of HYBE, I sincerely apologize regarding the HYBE follow-up document.

Regarding our follow-up document that was highlighted during the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee audit on October 24, I deeply apologize to artists, industry stakeholders and fans.

This document was created as part of a process to retrospectively gather various public reactions and opinions on industry trends and issues. Although intended to be shared with only a limited number of leaders to understand market and fan sentiment, the content was highly inappropriate. The document contained provocative and clear expressions directed at K-pop artists, included the author's personal opinions and evaluations, and was kept in written form. As a representative of the company, I acknowledge all mistakes and take full responsibility. I am extremely sorry and saddened by the baseless allegations 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 suffered damage and distress. We are also reaching out to each company individually to apologize directly. In addition, I sincerely apologize to all HYBE Music Group artists who have been criticized because of the company.

I recognize the lack of awareness among the leadership that received the document and, as CEO, I immediately stopped the creation of such tracking documents. I promise to establish guidelines and strengthen internal controls to prevent such issues from reoccurring.

Once again, I apologize to the artists, industry stakeholders, fans, and everyone who loves and supports K-pop for the pain this incident has caused. As a representative of the company, I am committed to thorough reflection and self-examination to correct past mistakes and prioritize the rights of all K-pop artists and respect for fans. We will do our best to contribute to the healthy development of the K-pop industry.

Thank you.
HYBE CEO Lee Jae-Sang