Did HYBE Influence Negative Media Coverage of BLACKPINK’s Lisa in South Korea?

Recently, HYBE has come under intense scrutiny following the release of a 2,000-page internal report by South Korea’s National Assembly, revealing troubling insights into the entertainment powerhouse’s operations. This extensive document primarily focuses on popular K-pop acts, presenting predominantly negative assessments that led many netizens to label it a “smear document.”

The evaluations by HYBE included critiques of not only rival girl groups such as BLACKPINK, aespa, IVE, and NMIXX but also its own groups like BTS, SEVENTEEN, and NewJeans. As the report’s unsavory details became public, HYBE found itself branded as the “#1 enemy” of K-pop, prompting fervent demands for apologies from various fandoms.

In response to the uproar, HYBE’s CEO issued a formal apology on October 29th to the groups and fans who were negatively impacted by the revelations in the 2,000-page document. Nevertheless, the public outrage continues unabated. Among the troubling insights gleaned, Lisa’s fanbase—known for their support of BLACKPINK’s youngest member—uncovered particularly shocking information.

The document included a statement regarding BLACKPINK: “Coachella represented a successful launch for this group. They are expected to roll out a similar approach in Europe. Moreover, there appear to be irregular voting trends for the Global Popularity Award at [Award Name], with a significant number of suspicious votes seemingly casting support for BLACKPINK, likely influenced by their international fandom surrounding member Lisa.”

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As a result, HYBE has raised suspicions that BLACKPINK might be involved in vote manipulation, with Lisa’s vast global appeal supposedly giving rise to this alleged phenomenon. The K-pop star, recognized for her significant following in Southeast Asia, often leads in fan voting and record-breaking feats. Among the document’s analysis, “Lilies,” the fanbase dedicated to Lisa, was the only member-centric group acknowledged.

This assertion not only infuriated the BLACKPINK fandom, known as BLINK, but also provoked an outcry from Lilies. Fans took to social media, employing various hashtags to call for an apology from HYBE directed towards both Lisa and BLACKPINK. Furthermore, international fandoms began speculating that HYBE might be orchestrating media narratives aimed at “slandering” Lisa within South Korea.

Amid these allegations, stories disparaging Lisa resurfaced, such as “Why Should a Foreigner Like Lisa Lead the K-pop Industry?” “Lisa Had Rhinoplasty,” “Lisa Is Ungrateful for Not Renewing Her Contract,” and “Lisa Should Stop Being an Idol, Sign with Louis Vuitton, and Settle Down.” These reports have reignited concerns over HYBE’s potential involvement, leading fans to recall the company’s history of muddying the waters against competitors when their own artists make comebacks.

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In recent months, Lisa has steadily released solo projects, competing first with Jimin and then with Jungkook. This pattern has led fans to theorize that the entertainment company is intent on undermining Lisa, now the most recognized Thai celebrity in South Korea.

It’s essential to note, however, that this perspective primarily reflects the views of Lisa’s supporters and lacks definitive proof of HYBE’s involvement in any so-called “dirty media tactics” against her. During such turbulent times, maintaining an objective viewpoint and critically analyzing the information is crucial.

Surprisingly, BTS has also felt the brunt of HYBE’s actions. Numerous indicators suggest that rather than safeguarding its artists, HYBE may be leveraging media narratives to curb the global impact of this iconic group.