“Creating unfounded rumors and spreading false information about the journalist…”
MOVES is facing charges of orchestrating attacks against a journalist Jang-hyung Courtesywho claimed that the company uses unethical media practices. Reporter Jang, previously with Seoul Shinmunrecently appeared on a radio show where he claimed that HYBE was engaged in media control, including manipulating public perception of I LOVE IT group of girls, NewJeans.
Jang claimed that HYBE’s public relations team attempted to downplay NewJeans’ achievements and exert control over news coverage. He shared a recorded conversation with HYBE’s public relations team, in which they allegedly attempted to correct a false report about NewJeans’ album sales in Japan. Jang also claimed that company figures were involved in “gaslighting” the group in an attempt to control their public image.
Following Jang’s revelations, rumors about his credibility began to circulate in the journalist community. Some allege that Jang had a personal relationship with Min Hee Jin and used his position to manipulate media coverage in her favor, an accusation both sides deny.
Inside and outside the Seoul Shinmun, it is well known that reporter Jang has flaunted his personal connection with Min Hee Jin in private settings. There are also rumors that it was Jang’s involvement that prompted NewJeans to visit the event hosted by the Seoul Shinmun.
— Harmful rumors HYBE is spreading, according to Team Bunnies
Now NewJeans fans are claiming that the company has mobilized online communities and forums to spread these rumors in an attempt to discredit Jang and divert attention from the fundamental issues raised in his report.
Hi, I can confirm everything except that Jang is moving to Kakao Mobility. I don’t think that’s in the OG tweet.
I’d probably include this somewhere on Team Bunnies:
[Jang] has no connection to former CEO Min Hee Jin and has never met her. He is not a fan of any specific artist. He only called out HYBE’s misconduct to uphold his journalistic ethics. Reporter Jang Hyung Woo is recognized within the Seoul Newspaper’s Industry Department, and is so knowledgeable that management, including the editorial staff, discouraged him from leaving the company. He was already in the process of changing jobs before this revelation, and decided to go public after watching NewJeans members’ live stream. Additionally, he and HYBE’s PR manager Cho Sung Hoon were in the same coverage area at one point (during his time in the Economic Department, covering over 100 companies in the Ministry of Economy and Finance), but had never interacted or shared a meal together.
— Bunny Squad
Such tactics have raised concerns about organized attempts to undermine whistleblowers and evade their accountability.
HYBE and the communities that support HYBE are conducting internal and external attacks on reporter Jang Hyung Woo through various channels. We suspect that there may be organized efforts behind these actions. They are creating unfounded rumors and spreading false information about the reporter to distort the essence of his leak. However, it is impossible for such low-level media tactics to hide HYBE’s misconduct.
— Bunny Squad
NewJeans fans who identified themselves as “Team Bunnies” said they were committed to protecting him from these attacks. They condemned the spreading of false rumors and called on HYBE to address the allegations rather than target those who bring them to light.
Hi, I’m Team Bernese.
Today, on Kim Hyun-jung’s radio show, journalist Jang Hyeong-woo denounced “Hive’s control of the media.”After the broadcast, other journalists reported that incredible rumors were spreading about journalist Jang Hyeong-woo.
Reporter Jang Hyeong-woo spoke to us about Hive’s misconduct… photo.twitter.com/PxA1mOQ3zX
— Tim Bernese (@NewJeansSTRM) September 25, 2024
lee jinho the fucking cyber destroyer is doing a live stream spreading rumors about reporter jang hyung woo LOL his connection to hybe is so obvious that he himself would end up being exposed
— ☔ (@breadsaz) September 25, 2024
The controversy has sparked debate about corporate influence over the media and the lengths to which some companies are willing to go to control their public image.
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