K-pop fans are up in arms after HYBE, the agency behind BTS and TXT, criticized the physical appearance of Stray Kids and NCT DREAM members.
A leaked transcript reveals HYBE making fun of their height and physical appearance, comparing them to TXT.
HYBE’s internal documents were briefly made public after a National Assembly audit. Fans were upset to find insulting comments about Stray Kids, including jokes about their height.
In the documents, HYBE joked about their appearances, saying, “It’s painful to see such a huge physical difference. Feels even sorrier remembering the challenge video Stray Kids Changbin filmed with NMIXX, where the height difference was almost negligible. And thinking about Changbin and Yeonjun, who are friends, standing together in front of the camera, makes it even more painful.”
Of course, doing well on stage and hosting is important, but Yeonjun just standing there brings value. Unfortunately, it just so happened that he had to interview NCT DREAM and Stray Kids, and both teams were completely overshadowed physically by Yeonjun, making it embarrassing to watch.”
Soobin is known for his exceptional height, and his image is somewhat innocent and clumsy, so it did not feel too out of place. However, Yeonjun standing next to Changbin, the height difference is striking.
After the National Assembly audit on October 24, leaked documents revealed HYBE’s negative media play for artists under other agencies including RIIZE, aespa, NMIXX.
After the agency received backlash from fans, they released an official statement saying that these opinions were collected from social media communities and not the company’s official stance.
