K-Pop Controversy: HYBE Accused of Prioritizing Profit Over Talent

K-Pop Controversy: HYBE Accused of Prioritizing Profit Over Talent

The K-Pop community was sparked into a heated discussion by a controversial post on the online forum Nate Pann. Posted on April 14, 2024, the post quickly gained popularity, accumulating over 111,000 views overnight.

The author made a bold statement, stating that HYBE, a well-known entertainment company, is going against the core values of K-Pop.

The Decline of Conventional Norms

Historically, K-Pop has been known for its strict standards of quality, with only the most polished and skilled individuals debuting after undergoing years of rigorous training. However, this changed when Wonhee appeared on R U Next? after only a few weeks of practice.

Wonhee
Wonhee (Photo : twitter)

Despite claims that companies like HYBE are prioritizing quantity over quality, the post argues that this tradition is still fading.

kazuha
kazuha (Photo: Twitter)

It focuses on cases where trainees made their debut with notably shorter training durations compared to what has been traditionally expected.

The “post”on the website accuses HYBE of rushing debuts for trainees and heavily relying on its connection with internationally renowned groups such as BTS to enhance the image of its newer idol groups, a practice commonly known as “media play.”

Unanimous Backing and Worries

The post’s sentiment had a strong impact on many netizens, as shown by the overwhelming support it garnered with over 1523 upvotes and numerous concurring comments.

Beyond just talent quality, there are also other concerns surrounding the commercialization of the K-Pop industry and how it may affect stock values.

Recent developments, such as the backlash against LE SSERAFIM’s performance at Coachella, have heightened the examination of HYBE’s methods.

Critics have become even more suspicious due to the perceived decrease in quality and the company’s transformation into a conglomerate.

The Evolution of K-Pop: Navigating an Ever-Changing Industry

Despite ongoing discussions within the K-Pop community, there are still uncertainties surrounding the industry’s future direction, specifically regarding the impact of large entertainment conglomerates such as HYBE.

It is uncertain whether these criticisms will lead to significant changes or further widen existing divisions. What is certain, however, is that the discussion surrounding the integrity of K-Pop is far from concluded.

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