Weverse Magazine has issued a formal apology following the leak of an internal Hybe document containing critical assessments of rival K-pop talents, including minors.

Key Developments:

• The document's author has been identified as Kang Myeong-seok, former editor-in-chief of Weverse Magazine
• The approximately 18,000-page document included detailed critiques of non-Hybe artists' physical appearances
• A petition calling for Hybe's "Top Job Creation Company" designation to be revoked has gathered over 41,500 signatures
• Employees who assigned the monitoring task have been suspended

Weverse Magazine's Statement:

• Staff claims no prior knowledge of the document's existence
• The document was created by Kang Myeong-seok as a separate assignment
• The magazine explicitly states its opposition to the controversial document
• A formal apology was issued for causing concern among fans

Impact:

• Hybe's stock (KRX: 352820) dropped 3% to $137.96 (₩194,200) per share
• The controversy continues to escalate as the petition has reached the threshold for official review
• South Korean lawmakers have questioned Hybe COO Kim Tae-ho about the situation

The ongoing controversy has highlighted concerns about industry practices and oversight in the K-pop sector, with continued developments expected as investigations proceed.

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