Lee Jaesang, the newly appointed CEO of South Korean entertainment powerhouse HYBE, has issued a public apology regarding an internal document that contained disparaging remarks about various K-pop groups and idols. The report, referred to as a "monitoring document" by the company, was brought to light during an audit by South Korea's National Assembly's Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee, and parts of it have since been leaked online.

Uncovering the Controversy: HYBE's Monitoring Document Sparks Outrage

Addressing the Inappropriate Content

In his statement, CEO Lee acknowledged the mistakes and took full responsibility for the document, which he said was "intended to be shared only with a limited number of leaders to understand market and fan sentiments." However, Lee admitted that the content was "highly inappropriate," including "provocative and explicit expressions directed at K-pop artists." The CEO apologized to the artists, industry stakeholders, and fans affected by the report, promising that no more "monitoring documents" of this nature would be created in the future.

Denying Allegations of Reverse Viral Marketing

Lee also addressed the "unfounded suspicions of reverse viral marketing" that were included in the document, stating that these claims were "not true at all" and had caused "misunderstandings and harm to innocent artists and individuals." The CEO emphasized his regret over these allegations, which he said were completely unfounded.

Reaching Out to Affected Parties

In his statement, Lee promised that HYBE would reach out "to each agency individually to offer our apologies directly" to the external artists mentioned in the document who had "suffered damage and distress." The CEO also apologized to all HYBE artists, acknowledging the impact the report had on them as well.

Navigating Legal Challenges

The CEO's apology comes at a time when HYBE is facing legal challenges. On the same day the statement was issued, the Seoul Central District Court reportedly denied Min Heejin's request to be reinstated as CEO of HYBE subsidiary ADOR. This development follows the announcement in August that Min would be stepping down from the role, with Kim Juyoung taking over.

Rebuilding Trust and Transparency

The controversy surrounding HYBE's internal document has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability within the K-pop industry. As the CEO of one of the industry's most influential companies, Lee's apology and commitment to addressing the issue directly with affected parties may be a step towards rebuilding trust and restoring the company's reputation.