Weverse Magazine Apologizes for Ex-Editor's Leaked Document as Hybe Faces Public Pressure

Weverse Magazine Apologizes for Ex-Editor's Leaked Document as Hybe Faces Public Pressure

By Marcus Bennett

November 18, 2024 at 02:21 AM

Hybe continues to face significant backlash following the leak of an internal document containing criticisms of rival K-pop talent, with Weverse Magazine now issuing a formal apology.

Weverse logo with Megan Thee Stallion

Weverse logo with Megan Thee Stallion

Key Developments:

  • The leaked document, approximately 18,000 pages long, contained detailed critiques of non-Hybe acts' physical appearances, including minors
  • The document's author was revealed to be Kang Myeong-seok, former editor-in-chief of Weverse Magazine, not a junior employee as initially reported
  • A petition calling for the revocation of Hybe's "Top Job Creation Company" designation has gathered over 41,500 signatures

Weverse Magazine's Response:

  • Staff issued a deep apology for concerns caused by the monitoring document
  • Magazine team members claim no prior knowledge of the document's existence
  • The document was allegedly created by Kang Myeong-seok as a separate task
  • Employees who assigned the monitoring task have been suspended

Impact:

  • The controversy continues to affect Hybe's market performance, with stock dropping 3% to $137.96 (₩194,200) per share
  • The petition has reached enough signatures to warrant an official review
  • The situation remains active with ongoing investigations and public scrutiny

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