Hybe continues facing backlash over a leaked internal document containing criticisms of rival K-pop talent, with Weverse Magazine now issuing a formal apology.

The controversy centers around an 18,000-page document that reportedly included detailed critiques of non-Hybe artists' physical appearances, including minors. The document's author was revealed to be Kang Myeong-seok, the former editor-in-chief of Weverse Magazine, not a junior employee as initially reported.

Key developments in the ongoing situation:

• Portions of the controversial document have leaked online
• A petition calling for Hybe's "Top Job Creation Company" designation to be revoked has gathered over 41,500 signatures
• Weverse Magazine staff have formally apologized, stating they were unaware of the document's existence
• Employees who assigned the monitoring task to Kang have been suspended
• The magazine has explicitly stated their opposition to the document and its contents

The controversy has impacted Hybe financially, with their stock (KRX: 352820) dropping 3% to ₩194,200 per share. With the petition reaching enough signatures to trigger an official review, the situation is expected to remain contentious in the coming weeks.

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