HYBE's PR Drama: K-Netizens Furious Over Claims of NewJeans Sabotage
The K-pop world was shaken on September 25 when a shocking revelation surfaced about HYBE, the entertainment giant behind some of South Korea's most successful idols. A Seoul Shinmun reporter, Jang Hyung Woo, accused HYBE of attempting to downplay the achievements of one of its own rising stars, NewJeans.
Reporter Jang Hyung Woo and HYBE
During a radio interview on CBS's 'Kim Hyun Jung's News Show,' reporter Jang Hyung Woo made serious claims against HYBE. He explained that while covering NewJeans’ Tokyo Dome performance on July 17, he received a request from HYBE to revise an article. The request came from HYBE’s head of public relations and communication, raising concerns over the company’s handling of its artists' achievements.
HYBE Allegedly Downplayed NewJeans' Achievements
The crux of the issue revolved around HYBE allegedly pressuring Jang to modify his coverage of NewJeans’ performance, particularly in relation to the company’s stock price. Jang shared that while fact-checking is standard practice, the request to downplay NewJeans' success was baffling. "It didn’t make sense for them to try to distort and downplay the artist’s achievements," Jang explained. He added that the PR manager even claimed NewJeans was not performing as well as expected, a statement that shocked the reporter.
The Incident Occurred on July 17
The issue dates back to July 17, when Jang wrote about NewJeans’ performance at the Tokyo Dome. This article, initially meant to highlight the group’s rising success, became a point of contention when HYBE reportedly sought to alter the narrative.
Where: HYBE's Influence Over Media Coverage
HYBE, known for managing some of K-pop's biggest names, has been influential in shaping the image of its artists. However, Jang’s revelation suggests a darker side to this influence, where the company may be prioritizing corporate interests over its artists' actual success. HYBE’s involvement in trying to change the narrative around NewJeans, a group under one of its subsidiary labels, has raised eyebrows in the Korean entertainment industry.
Conflicting Interests in Promoting Artists
The reason behind HYBE's alleged attempt to undermine NewJeans' achievements remains unclear. Jang expressed his confusion, pointing out that it was strange for a company to downplay its own artist's success. Korean netizens quickly reacted, criticizing HYBE for potentially prioritizing corporate image and stock prices over its artists' recognition and success.
The Emotional Impact on Fans and the Industry
The news of HYBE’s actions has sparked a wave of anger among fans of NewJeans. The group, known for its unique sound and strong performances, is beloved by many. Fans expressed their dismay at the possibility that the company might not fully support the group. On social media, the hashtag #SupportNewJeans quickly gained traction as fans rallied behind the artists, calling out HYBE for its actions.
As this controversy unfolds, many are left questioning HYBE’s motivations and commitment to its artists. The entertainment giant, once seen as an industry leader in promoting idol groups, now faces significant backlash. For now, fans and industry insiders alike are waiting to see how HYBE will address these claims and whether it will continue to support NewJeans as the group rises to stardom.
This developing story highlights the emotional complexity behind the entertainment industry, where artists, fans, and corporations often find their interests at odds.