Hybe faces serious criticism after internal documents containing inappropriate comments about underage idols from rival agencies surfaced during a South Korean National Assembly hearing on October 24th.

The controversial "Weekly Music Industry Report" included derogatory remarks about competitors' young artists, some as young as 12 years old, commenting on their physical appearances and suggesting they had "overdone" plastic surgery. These comments could potentially violate child protection laws.

In response to the backlash, Hybe has:

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

The controversy adds to Hybe's ongoing challenges, 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 bid for reinstatement was recently rejected

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