HYBE is currently embroiled in controversy following allegations that it has been conducting private investigations into the identities of NewJeans fans.
On October 3, an explosive post surfaced on various online communities, drawing attention with the alarming title, ‘HYBE is now resorting to investigating the identities of NewJeans' fans’. The original poster, who identifies as a dedicated supporter of the girl group, expressed their outrage over what they perceive as HYBE's unethical practices, accusing the company of manipulating media stories while simultaneously surveilling its fanbase.
In their post, the writer delivered a scathing critique of HYBE, warning the company about the serious implications of its alleged actions. They claimed that the company's tactics have crossed ethical boundaries, constituting not only an invasion of privacy but also a form of intimidation against loyal fans. The poster pointed out that such behaviour has escalated to a level that they believe warrants national attention, calling for accountability from the entertainment giant. They urged HYBE to either acknowledge its alleged misconduct and commit to rectifying these practices or to address the growing concerns directly.
The post also highlighted specific grievances regarding the company’s purported efforts to obstruct investigations and disseminate misinformation, emphasizing that unethical behaviour will inevitably lead to negative consequences.
It also prompted many netizens to swiftly take to the comments section to voice their shock and disapproval. Some users sarcastically remarked, “Wow, they’re crazy. Are they FBI? Acting like secret police in a dictatorship?” while others expressed more serious concerns regarding the infringement of privacy rights, with one user stating, “They’re not investigating civilians? Disgusting to see our privacy rights infringed upon”. The overwhelming sentiment in the community reflects a deep concern for the safety and well-being of the fans and the artists involved. Several commenters voiced their hopes that their idols would remain unharmed under the label, with remarks such as, “Seriously, hoping my idols will be able to leave the label unharmed”.
Additionally, some fans lamented the lack of media coverage surrounding this controversy, suggesting that the focus has disproportionately favoured negative news about NewJeans fans rather than the serious allegations levelled against HYBE. Comments like “In this situation, no one is reporting on this. The media only writes articles criticizing fans of NewJeans”, underscore a growing frustration among fans who feel their voices are not being adequately represented in the media.
