HYBE COO Kim Tae-ho: "All Allegations Are Unfounded"...
Addresses Concerns at Parliamentary Audit

‍

HYBE COO and Belift Lab CEO Kim Tae-ho appeared at the National Assembly's comprehensive parliamentary audit for the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee on the 24th, firmly denying various allegations raised against the company.

During the audit, questions were raised regarding HYBE’s compliance with cultural industry laws.

Democratic Party lawmaker Min Hyung-bae began by questioning HYBE’s human rights management practices.

Kim responded, "We are making extensive internal efforts to ensure compliance with our publicly declared commitments."

One of the main points of contention was HYBE’s Weekly Music Industry Report.

Lawmaker Min criticized derogatory remarks and evaluations about the appearance of underage idols, citing phrases such as, "Debuted at an age when one tends to be unattractive, not fitting the idol look," and "Tendencies toward sexual appeal have become prominent."

In response, Kim clarified,
"These were not HYBE’s official opinions or judgments but rather online posts that were being monitored."

However, Min countered that such comments violate the cultural industry law’s obligation of good faith, and Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Yoo In-chon agreed, stating, "The expressions seem a bit harsh."

‍

There was also sharp debate over allegations of "album stockpiling."

Lawmaker Min raised concerns about the conditional sale and promotion-based disposal of albums, particularly referencing an internal email dated January 4, 2024, that mentioned plans for the return of "at least 70,000 and up to 200,000" albums.

Kim explained,
"The albums sold in 2023 were returned in 2024. This was not a company policy but the decision of an individual manager.
We have since implemented guidelines to prevent such sales practices in the future."

Regarding the plagiarism dispute between ILLIT and NewJeans, Kim stated,
"We have filed both civil and criminal lawsuits against former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin.
We are awaiting a judicial ruling and will provide evidence to prove that these allegations are unfounded."

Kim concluded with an apology, saying,
"I apologize for the fatigue caused by the events of this year.
We will make every effort to prevent such incidents from recurring."

This parliamentary audit is significant as it addressed key issues in the K-pop industry, including the protection of underage idols, fairness in the album market, and corporate disputes.

With the National Assembly scrutinizing the management practices of major entertainment companies like HYBE, this could have a substantial impact on the industry.

Moving forward, attention will be on how HYBE addresses the points raised during the audit and the potential changes it could bring to the broader K-pop industry.

The protection of underage artists, ensuring fairness in the album market, and strengthening corporate ethics are expected to become key areas of focus.