This comes after months of protest against HYBE’s Zionist links.
HYBE has been criticized for comments made in newly released internal documents.
November
In these documents, the company discussed pro-Palestinian protests, specifically referencing an instance with ENHYPEN’s Jake.
The comments suggest that HYBE has decided to “wait this matter out” as Korea is not involved in the conflict.
HYBE’s thoughts on pro-Palestinian protests leak in new internal documents
Jake’s response to fan protests was also seen as potentially causing a larger “crisis”, with the focus placed on fan reactions.
“The term “education on the issue,” often used by international fans, is particularly upsetting to Korean fans, creating a potential risk. Since the issue is not only a matter of personal choice but a complex political one, Jake’s response may become problematic in the future, so it is essential to continue monitoring this situation. Most importantly, even if the situation seems resolved simply because Jake graciously responded to the fans, this could still serve as a turning point that fuels the identity-based conflicts of the ENHYPEN fandom. It is a delicate moment in which managing the atmosphere is fundamental. If fans rally around unrelated issues to push members’ reactions, the situation could become more complicated.
— Hybe Document
Netizens harshly criticized HYBE for being “dismissive” in his position.
hybe saying that the Palestinian genocide has nothing to do with kr so they just want to wait for the matter to pass and that if fans try to educate idols from boycotting it’s “humiliating to kr fans” it’s absolutely disgusting
— jhan ⁷²² 🎀🦥 streaming 42 (@mojunebug) November 1, 2024
this indirectly confirms that Hybe knows he is linked to the Zionists but has chosen to remain silent because the situation is simply an inconvenience for them.. pic.twitter.com/1Id67o5ads
— masonline (@kf1lm) November 1, 2024
HYBE is actively denying the ongoing genocide and war crimes of Israeli apartheid. They are also admitting that they berated Jake and EN- for not speaking out. This confirms that HYBE does not support ethical practices at all and removes the autonomy of their artists.
Stand up and boycott! https://t.co/bACLnzpVRe
— Connect4Pal (@Connect4Pal) November 1, 2024
Additionally, the document appears to admit that fan posts on Weverse mentioning Palestine have been censored.
“Furthermore, after this issue arose, Weverse took a passive approach by limiting certain terms used by international fans in their coordinated campaigns. However, there was also a strange turn of events due to ENHYPEN’s manager. In short, this became the “Starbucks boycott incident.” ENHYPEN’s manager apparently posted a photo of a local coffee brand on his Instagram while in Jakarta, which international fans interpreted as support for the boycott. They replied: “Even the manager agrees with our position!” This then turned into feelings like, “Education is effective; let’s work even harder!” which increased stress and anxiety for Korean fans.”
— Hybe documents
This served to spark more anger against HYBE for silencing fans and idols.
admitting that you silenced fans so that your artists don’t get informed about a damn genocide is a crazy job. you could never catch me defending that fucking company. hybe, I hope you burn, and I hope it fucking happens soon.
— sara ✿ (@sararkive) November 1, 2024
Most of us had our suspicions, but having concrete evidence that hybe was blocking words like “boycott” and “starbucks” on Weverse is crazy… pic.twitter.com/kilms95JzL
— eli (@newbrats) November 1, 2024
so HYBE is aware of this and is actively silencing fans from talking about Palestine on our planet. oh really fuck hybe and I pray their downfall happens real soon https://t.co/Ufjuyeum0B
— maia⁷ 🌦 (@sopeniverse) November 1, 2024