HYBE has been criticized by fans for its reported plans to debut new K-pop girl groups under SOURCE MUSIC and PLEDIS Entertainment.
On January 1, netizens gathered in a community forum, titled “HYBE Reveals They Will Release Two More Girl Groups.” The post’s author (OP) then uploaded a screenshot of a report from Korean news outlet Sports Chosun, which broadcast the 2025 plans of K-pop “Big 4” companies SM, JYP, YG, and HYBE.
In the forum, the excerpt began with the activities of SEVENTEEN members Jeonghan, Hoshi, Wonwoo, and Woozi, who will join the army and “fill the gap” with unit and solo programs. This was followed by plans to promote the careers of TXT, ENHYPEN, BOYNEXTDOOR, TWS, LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT.
However, he announced that new K-pop girl groups will debut under SOURCE MUSIC and PLEDIS Entertainment.
“SOURCE MUSIC and PLEDIS are releasing new girl groups,” the statement reads.
“With this (effort), HYBE will affirm its status as the giant dinosaur with the largest number of active artists among Korean entertainment agencies.”
In the comments, both domestic and international fans expressed outrage at HYBE, SOURCE MUSIC, and PLEDIS for seemingly prioritizing quantity over quality in their group’s roster.
“Am I a factory?” one netizen noted.
“Can’t they let the other groups marinate a bit?” a second stated. “Every damn year they bring out more bands.”
One netizen is worried: “PLEDIS will ruin another girl group.”
