Leaked Audit Documents Show HYBE Allowed Smear Campaigns Against BTS’ Jungkook on Korean Internet Forum

A 2000-page audit document from HYBE was briefly made public, and its revelations are sparking outrage. Fans are upset because the company insulted other K-pop acts, ridiculed their appearances, belittled their achievements, and referenced other artists for styling choices.

Snippets from the transcripts from the audit document submitted to the National Assembly on October 24 are currently making rounds on social media.

A part of the audit that has infuriated fans reveals that HYBE was aware of the hate and smear campaigns targeting BTS’ Jungkook on DC Gallery, a well-known South Korean internet forum. This forum is a popular space for people to share their interests and engage in discussions.

A snippet from the audit document states, “Currently, there’s a complaint that the company is responding passively to the maliciousness of DC Inside (a Korean online community). Some people are pessimistic, questioning how HYBE (the entertainment company) can obtain user information when even the government can’t shut down a single gallery. For now, the resentment towards fandoms shared among fans is somewhat understood. However, it’s the company’s role to subtly address this issue to prevent it from turning into rejection towards the artist.

The only related issue is military enlistment. After the showcase, fans have expressed a significant need for a tour, but if the youngest member enlists early, it’s likely to spark another severe conflict within the fandom, with some fans claiming it’s the “maknae’s (youngest member) sacrifice.”

For years, Jungkool has been targeted on Korean platforms like Blind and DC Gallery. Despite announcements of legal action against malicious content targeting BTS members, hate campaigns against the “Seven” singer have not slowed down.

The recent leak has sparked outrage among solo stans, who are criticizing HYBE for allegedly failing to prevent the spread of malicious content and not taking legal actions to protect the artist’s interests.

HYBE received massive backlash from fandoms due to the contents of the audit documents. Responding to the criticism on October 24, HYBE stated that the content in the audit document is reactions from social media platforms. 

The label stated that provocative parts from the transcript were “Cherry-picked” to give the impression that they have criticized other artists.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Jungkook was offered to join Usher as a guest performer for the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Since Jungkook enlisted in December 2023, he could not perform at the event.

His fans are already upset about his early enlistment, as he could have delayed his military service by two years to maintain the momentum from his successful solo releases. They also wanted him to go on a world tour, but with the military enlistment, he had to take a break.

On another note, BTS is set to reunite and resume group activities in mid-2025 once all members complete military service.

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