According to music industry reports, HYBE suspended Mr. Kang, responsible for the report titled “Music Industry Weekly Report,” from his management position that morning. This action seems to hold him responsible for the negative reaction caused by the provocative and dehumanizing content of the report.
The internal report was sent weekly to C-level executives at HYBE and its affiliated labels. The controversy intensified on October 24, when part of the contents of the report were disclosed during an audit of the National Assembly by the Committee on Culture, Sports and Tourism, with Democratic Party member Min Hyung-bae saying raised questions about it.
The report included shocking assessments of household idols’ appearances, stating things like: “Members debuted at an age where they are very unattractive and no one’s facial features are attractive, plus plastic surgery is too extreme,” AND, “There is a notable trend regarding appearance and sexual attractiveness,” AND, “The other members were incredibly unattractive,” which caused considerable outrage.
In response, HYBE released an official statement explaining: “The monitoring report disclosed to the National Assembly is a document that collects various public responses and opinions from fandoms and the industry.” They clarified that the report was prepared for internal reference by a small group, extracting community and social media reactions as is, and does not reflect HYBE’s position.
However, when further contents of the report were published online, the situation worsened. Amid the ongoing controversy, SEVENTEEN member Seungkwan, of one of the labels HYBE, expressed his frustration on October 29, stating: “We are not people who have been able to smoothly and gracefully engage in activities to be judged so easily. I hope you don’t take idols lightly.”
Seungkwan further stated, “We don’t deserve to be easily included in your narratives. Not only for us, but also for other artists, we are not your objects,” expressing his anger at the situation.
Source: Daum
