HYBE and Weverse Magazine recently issued an apology after an internal report, which allegedly monitored negative opinions on their artists and included criticism of competitors, sparked backlash. Weverse Magazine clarified that the report was created by a former editor independently and without involvement from current staff or contributors. HYBE removed the former editor from their position and denied claims of engaging in “reverse viral marketing.”
Weverse Magazine and HYBE Respond to Internal Report Controversy
The Weverse Magazine team recently issued an official apology regarding the controversy surrounding an internal report from HYBE. This report circulated widely on online platforms. It allegedly monitored negative public opinions about HYBE’s artists and included disparaging remarks about competitors’ artists. The report triggered significant backlash. Certain details were revealed during the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee audit on October 24.
Weverse Magazine’s Apology and Clarification on Report Origin
On November 11, the Weverse Magazine team expressed regret over the unease this monitoring report caused. They apologized for any discomfort and concerns it raised. They clarified that a former editor-in-chief created the report as part of a separate project, unrelated to the magazine’s operations. The team emphasized that current magazine staff and contributing writers knew nothing about the report’s creation and took no part in it. Only the former editor managed this project.
Weverse Magazine and HYBE Emphasize Opposition to Monitoring Report
Weverse Magazine clarified its distance from the controversial report, stating that all team members were uninvolved. The team also voiced opposition to the report’s content and intentions. They expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by their association with it. HYBE and Weverse Magazine both assured the public of their commitment to transparency, reiterating they do not endorse the report’s contents.
HYBE’s Actions Against Former Editor and Clarification of Stance
Following the controversy, HYBE removed the former editor-in-chief from their position and excluded them from magazine-related duties. Additionally, HYBE dismissed staff assigned to the monitoring project under the former editor’s instructions. HYBE denied claims of “reverse viral marketing” allegedly linked to the report and stated that they are considering legal measures against false accusations.
Public Reactions and Criticism Toward HYBE and Weverse Magazine
News of the issue spread to the Korean online community instiz, where responses were mostly skeptical and critical. Some users suggested that HYBE pursue legal action, but this was quickly countered. HYBE had previously stated it would not prosecute internal whistleblowers. Many users questioned how HYBE plans to address the extensive internal report disclosed in the National Assembly. Some argued that HYBE only reacted because public interest was fading, and they believe the report did support “reverse viral marketing.” So far, HYBE has not fully addressed these accusations.
Here’s a link to instiz.
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Photographer: Kohji Asakawa Source: Pixabay
So, ‘reverse viral marketing’ is the big bad wolf, huh? HYBE would be toast if they did that. But where’s the smoking gun?