HYBE is facing criticism after internal company documents containing controversial comments about underage idols from rival agencies surfaced during a South Korean National Assembly hearing on October 24th.

The "Weekly Music Industry Report," a competitive analysis document circulated among HYBE executives, included inappropriate remarks about minor artists' physical appearances, including comments describing them as "shockingly unattractive" and criticizing alleged plastic surgery procedures. Some discussed talents were as young as 12 years old.

Lawmakers expressed concern that these descriptions could violate child protection laws. HYBE COO Kim Tae-ho attempted to minimize the situation by claiming the report merely summarized online opinions rather than representing official company views.

In response to the controversy, HYBE has:

• Issued an apology from CEO Lee Jae-sang
• Discontinued the weekly report
• Reassigned the report's author to an HR position

This incident occurs amid other challenges for HYBE, including:

• Public criticism from Seventeen member Seungkwan about K-pop industry working conditions
• An ongoing legal dispute with former Ador subsidiary CEO Min Hee-jin, whose recent bid for reinstatement was rejected by court

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