Seungkwan, a vocalist from SEVENTEEN, recently made waves with a candid social media post addressing the challenging realities of the Kpop industry. In light of recent controversies involving HYBE and its treatment of idols, Seungkwan’s words offered a heartfelt perspective on the industry's demands and the often-overlooked emotional toll on artists.

Seungkwan's post, shared on October 29, took a firm stance against the rising pressures within the K-pop world, particularly aimed at HYBE's harsh expectations, as highlighted in leaked documents. The leaked files revealed instances where HYBE allegedly criticized and undermined not only its own artists but also those from other companies, including groups like BLACKPINK, TWICE, and NCT Dream. According to reports, HYBE has also faced backlash over alleged plans to phase out certain groups, including NewJeans, underscoring the rigid, cutthroat standards idols are expected to meet.

In his post, Seungkwan wrote, “I no longer want to see us hurt each other. I’ve tried to quietly endure it, hoping things would pass, but now I can’t stay silent anymore.” He emphasized the dedication and hard work of his fellow SEVENTEEN members, fans, and K-pop artists across the industry. “We are not your items to use as you please. We fight for every moment on stage, and it takes a toll,” he added, sharing the weight of idol life that many fans may not see.

Seungkwan's message also reflected the need for a more supportive and kinder environment in K-pop. Referring back to a moving tribute he gave to his late friend and fellow artist, ASTRO’s Moonbin, at the 2023 MAMA Awards, Seungkwan expressed his longing for a community where artists uplift each other, recognizing each other's hard work and struggles.

The recent controversy with HYBE comes on the heels of a National Assembly audit revealing internal communications that allegedly criticized idols' appearances and skills. Fans reacted strongly, with many rallying behind the affected idols and calling for fair treatment. Seungkwan’s post reflects the larger sentiment in the K-pop community: a desire for warmth and mutual respect amid the pressures of fame.

Seungkwan concluded his post on a hopeful note, encouraging everyone to support each other. “I just want everyone to stay healthy and happy,” he wrote, urging fans, idols, and staff alike to approach the industry with empathy and kindness.

Earlier this month, an explosive National Assembly Audit exposed internal documents from HYBE Co. Ltd., which showcased alleged disparaging remarks against both in-house and rival Kpop groups. As HYBE broadens its global reach through subsidiaries like Big Hit Music, Belift Lab, Pledis Entertainment, ADOR, KOZ Entertainment and Source Music, the audit documents reveal unsettling discussions within the company. These documents allegedly detail a strategic push to phase out the popular girl group NewJeans and included remarks targeting top rival groups such as BLACKPINK, TWICE, aespa, IVE, Stray Kids, NCT Dream, ZEROBASEONE and RIIZE's Seunghan.

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HYBE's ongoing tensions with its subsidiary, ADOR, previously managed by Min Hee Jin, add fuel to the fire, hinting at internal disputes that have brought NewJeans into the limelight. Despite its global stature, HYBE’s approach to maintaining dominance in Kpop has, reportedly, involved tactics that have stirred controversies among artists and fans alike.

Yet, HYBE isn't the only agency sparking public concern. In October, SM Entertainment made headlines after retracting a decision to reinstate RIIZE's Seunghan. Originally slated for a comeback following a 10-month hiatus caused by controversy, Seunghan was ultimately removed from the group altogether. This dramatic shift came in response to aggressive backlash from a group of South Korean fans who sent over 1,000 funeral wreaths demanding his expulsion. International fan communities quickly voiced their disapproval, calling out SM's compliance with such extreme fan behaviour, which, they argued, contributed to a culture of mistreatment of its artists.

The backlash prompted a cohesive boycott campaign, with fans questioning SM's decision to capitulate to toxic demands instead of protecting its young talent. This incident, alongside HYBE’s internal conflicts, underscores a larger issue in the Kpop industry: the rising tensions between management, artists and fan communities, with agencies facing heightened scrutiny over how they handle controversies and the impact on their artists' well-being.

HYBE's CEO has officially apologized for the 'Music Industry Report' that defamed the artists of HYBE and other agencies.

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