HYBE's Controversial Post

In a storm of controversy, HYBE has recently deleted a post that was met with widespread criticism from SEVENTEEN fans. The issue arose as SEVENTEEN’s official social media unveiled teasers for their upcoming "SVT 8TH FAN MEETING MEMORY BOOK," showcasing highlights from the group's much-anticipated 2024 CARAT LAND concert.

Initially, fans were excited about the glimpses offered of the photobook, but their enthusiasm quickly turned to dismay when they discovered that the images had been heavily edited. In an apparent move to prevent unauthorized use of the photos, the editing was so extreme that the members' faces became virtually unrecognizable. This included both unit shots and group photographs that left many fans in disbelief.

The Backlash

As the backlash grew, netizens took to platforms like theqoo to express their outrage. Many criticized the intentional distortions in the edits and voiced their dissatisfaction with how HYBE manages SEVENTEEN. Some fans even went as far as suggesting that the group should consider leaving the company altogether.

"Is this intentional? SEVENTEEN, please escape from HYBE!" one user emotionally wrote. Another added, "They’re treating a top-tier group like this? If I were a fan, I’d be pushing for their departure too."

Concerns Raised

Among the slew of comments, several voiced concerns about why such heavy editing was necessary. "They could’ve simply blurred the images instead of this bizarre distortion," one commenter remarked. Others shared experiences of past similar incidents, noting that this wasn’t the first time HYBE faced criticism for their treatment of SEVENTEEN and its dedicated fanbase, known as CARATs.

Moreover, fans recalled previous teasers for SEVENTEEN’s Japanese release, "Always Yours," that suffered from questionable editing choices, suggesting a troubling pattern in how the agency addresses its promotions.

Fan Relations Under Scrutiny

In a world where fan relations are critical to an idol group’s success, HYBE’s misstep raises serious questions about its commitment to SEVENTEEN and the reasons behind such drastic editing decisions. The outrage underscores the strong loyalty fans feel towards their idols and their demand for respectful, thoughtful representation. As the dust settles, many are left wondering if this incident is a wake-up call for HYBE to rethink its approach to marketing and fan engagement, or if this is just another chapter in the ongoing saga between the company and its valuable artists.

Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops!