The signage for HYBE, the agency behind K-pop megastars BTS, is displayed outside the company's headquarters in Seoul on August 13, 2024.has shared a public apology following a partial leak of the company’s internal “Weekly Music Industry Report,” which boasted what some have called disparaging remarks about the K-pop industry, including some young artists.
Lee added that HYBE is “reaching out to each agency individually to offer our apologies directly” and continued, “I am also sincerely extending an official apology to all the artists of HYBE Music Group who have been subjected to criticism due to the company.” This document was created as part of a process to retrospectively gather various reactions and public opinions on industry trends and issues. Although it was intended to be shared only with a limited number of leaders to understand market and fan sentiments, the content was highly inappropriate. The document contained provocative and explicit expressions directed at K-pop artists, included personal opinions and evaluations of the author, and was preserved in written form.