In a shocking turn of events, HYBE has found itself under intense scrutiny after an internal industry trend report was leaked, revealing a series of disparaging comments aimed at rival idol groups. The report, which was crafted for executive use, surfaced during a national audit conducted by the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee on October 24, drawing significant ire from both fans and industry insiders.

The document features unflattering evaluations of idols from competing entertainment agencies, covering sensitive topics such as appearance, private lives, and professional abilities. The report was compiled by a controversial figure, Editor A, who has a history as a music critic and now serves as editor-in-chief of Weverse Magazine, a subsidiary of HYBE.

Among the most disturbing excerpts, the report criticized the appearance of certain idols, claiming, “Being young isn’t everything. They debuted a group when the members are at their ugliest,” and further berated their performance quality as akin to a “middle school talent show.” Such comments targeted specific groups, with one part claiming, “The synergy of their unattractiveness is unbearable,” inciting backlash from fans.

The document didn’t stop there—it also commented on the competition between HYBE's upcoming talent show 'R U Next' and SM Entertainment's new girl group. The report expressed skepticism regarding the aesthetic appeal of the new girl group from SM, hinting at a perceived decline in their standards. “Surprisingly, none of them are pretty,” it lamented, raising eyebrows and igniting debates among fans.

In a notable observation, the report took aim at JYP's former girl group members, remarking on their considerable cosmetic enhancements to the point where they were “nearly unrecognizable.” It attributed this to the pressures of the entertainment industry and highlighted the adverse impacts on their mental health and public image.

What’s more, the report didn’t shy away from evaluating the performances of groups backed by other major companies, suggesting that fandoms are quick to protect their idols by shifting blame elsewhere. This revelation has sparked conversations about the competitiveness and cutthroat nature of the K-pop industry.

Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin had earlier raised alarms about the subjective nature of the "Industry Trend Review," leading to broader discussions about the credibility of internal evaluations within HYBE. She stated, “I don't understand why such a subjective and biased document...is distributed to the company's executives.”

HYBE responded by clarifying that the report is intended as a collection of consumer reactions and industry insights, rather than a reflection of the company's official views on its artists or competitors. However, legal expert attorney Roh Jong Un has pointed out that the contents could potentially amount to defamation against other idols.

During the national audit, representatives were probed about the necessity of such reports. Kim Tae Ho, CEO of Belift Lab, explained the importance of reviewing public opinion materials within the K-pop sector, yet maintained that the opinions expressed within the report are not reflective of HYBE’s official stance.

As news of this controversy spreads, fans and critics alike are left to ponder the implications of such internal documents and the treatment of idols in a brutally competitive industry. What does this mean for the future of K-pop's business dynamics? Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds!