HYBE faced significant backlash after internal documents containing controversial comments about underage idols from rival agencies surfaced during a South Korean National Assembly hearing on October 24th.

The "Weekly Music Industry Report," a competitive analysis document circulated among HYBE executives, reportedly contained inappropriate remarks about minor artists' physical appearances, including criticisms of their features and allegations of plastic surgery. Some artists discussed were as young as 12 years old.

Key Developments:

• Lawmakers suggested these comments may violate child protection laws
• HYBE COO Kim Tae-ho claimed the report merely summarized online opinions
• CEO Lee Jae-sang issued a formal apology
• The company discontinued the weekly report
• The report's author was reassigned to HR

The controversy extends beyond this incident, as HYBE simultaneously faces:

• Public criticism from Seventeen member Seungkwan about K-pop industry working conditions
• Ongoing legal disputes with former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, whose bid for reinstatement was recently rejected

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