Bang Si-hyuk Involvement in HYBE Internal Document Disclosure: “Responsibility Inevitable”

Despite an official apology from HYBE CEO Lee Jae-sang, who accepted responsibility for the creation and dissemination of a controversial report, the repercussions are likely to persist.

According to a report by Ilgan Sports on October 29, Bang Si-hyuk played a direct role in distributing the document to top executives at HYBE, including C-level leaders and those within subsidiary labels.

It has been disclosed that Bang Si-hyuk suggested that a newly appointed executive should be added to the recipient list of the document. While it remains unclear whether he was the initial instigator behind the report’s creation, his consent to circulate such a contentious and impersonal document among senior management raises significant concerns regarding his accountability.

Critics argue that although the CEO has publicly taken responsibility, the principal issue seems to lie with Bang Si-hyuk, who holds a higher position than the C-level executives and appears to be sidestepping direct accountability.

Ilagan Sports attempted to contact HYBE’s PR team for an official comment but received no reply.

Same day, HYBE CEO Lee Jae-sang issued an apology on the company’s official platform, admitting, “I fully recognize the errors made in including provocative and harsh language regarding K-pop artists, incorporating personal views and assessments, and allowing these remarks to be part of an official document. I take full responsibility on behalf of the company.” He acknowledged the inappropriateness of the content and extended his apologies.

Additionally, HYBE revealed they dismissed Kang, the individual responsible for compiling the controversial “Weekly Music Industry Report,” and announced the discontinuation of this report. However, with Bang Si-hyuk’s involvement in the sharing process now public, many critics suggest this could be an instance of scapegoating.

The internal report was routinely sent to C-level executives at HYBE and its affiliate labels on a weekly basis. The backlash erupted when sections of this report were introduced during a parliamentary inspection led by Democratic Party legislator Min Hyung-bae on October 24. The document contained disparaging remarks about the idols’ appearances, stating things like, “They debuted in their ‘ugly phase’, so none have ideal idol features, and their plastic surgeries are overly conspicuous,” along with, “Other members are notably unattractive.” Such content caused considerable outrage.

In response, HYBE clarified, “The monitoring report discussed during the parliamentary meeting is a compilation of diverse reactions and opinions from fans and the industry. It was distributed internally to a limited group of staff for reference and does not reflect the position of HYBE.”

The controversy intensified when Seungkwan, a member of HYBE’s group SEVENTEEN, voiced his criticism, stating, “We should not be easily judged or talked about. Please don’t take idols lightly. We are not mere items.” His comments strongly condemned the report’s content.

Source: Nate

Source