HYBE Seeks to Ignite SM’s Internal Conflict After Lee Soo Man, Elevates Bang Si Hyuk as a “Likeable Figure”

A recently leaked document from HYBE has prompted a stir within the K-pop community. The document outlines the company’s comprehensive strategy to elevate the influence of chairman Bang Si Hyuk while simultaneously suggesting methods to foster internal discord within SM Entertainment following the departure of Lee Soo Man. This initiative appears to aim at positioning Bang Si Hyuk as a transformative figure within the industry, utilizing international media attention as a tactical tool.

Exploring Lee Soo Man’s Documentary: A Potential Catalyst for Internal Conflicts at SM?

One of the key sections in the document, dated November 30, 2022, highlights an impending Amazon Prime documentary titled Lee Soo Man: The King of K-Pop. This film is set to unveil untold stories and insights into the career of SM Entertainment’s esteemed founder and former CEO, Lee Soo Man.

HYBE plans to target an international audience with this documentary, rather than focusing solely on Korean viewers. This directional choice raises the prospect of creating conflicts among SM’s leadership in the post-Lee Soo Man landscape, especially when tensions may arise as producers and executives continue to operate under Lee Soo Man’s established influence. This situation has ignited speculation regarding HYBE’s intentions to further destabilize SM’s internal dynamics.

Bang Si Hyuk’s Promotion Approach: Crafting the Image of a “Likable Leader”

Alongside the potential for internal conflict within SM, the document emphasizes HYBE’s aspiration to portray Bang Si Hyuk as a sincere and relatable leader. This strategy is a stark contrast to the self-aggrandizement seen in figures like Lee Soo Man and Park Jin Young (J.Y. Park). The document asserts that, with Park Jin Young preparing for year-end performances and Lee Soo Man engaging in self-promotion, it is imperative for HYBE to present Bang Si Hyuk as a true “game changer”who has redefined K-pop conventions.

An integral part of this promotional strategy includes featuring Bang Si Hyuk on the covers of prominent international magazines during significant events associated with HYBE’s U.S. division. The plan involves collaborations with outlets such as GQ, where he will be introduced with the assertion, “He is not the king of K-Pop,” highlighting his role as a pioneering force in the transformation of the K-pop landscape.

By framing Bang Si Hyuk in this manner, HYBE aims to not only differentiate him from traditional K-pop figures but also to solidify his status as a leader capable of steering the industry towards a new era.

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