Recently, HYBE founder and current chairman Bang Si Hyuk‘s public image has taken a nosedive. However, there are several reasons for this occurring, some going back further than any current issues.
1. “Crush aespa” Comment
While public opinion on the feud has continually shifted, many have been left with negative feelings over what ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin revealed involving Bang Si Hyuk.
During her press conference, Min Hee Jin revealed alleged messages between her and Bang Si Hyuk, including one where he asked if she could “crush aespa” with her upcoming group.
2. Removing the K from K-Pop
In an interview with Maeil Business News, Bang Si Hyuk stated that he believed the K in K-Pop limited the genre and suggested removing it.
These days, I often say that we need to remove the ‘K’ from K-pop. K-pop now needs to meet a broader consumer base in a wider market.
— Bang Si Hyuj
This comment was met with much backlash at the time, with many feeling that removing the K would take away from K-Pop’s uniqueness.
3. Reportedly Ignoring NewJeans
Amid the current feud, the parents of NewJeans claimed that Bang Si Hyuk would ignore the members’ greetings.
This was made worse by the excuse given by HYBE for this occurring and Bang Si Hyuk’s interactions with LE SSERAFIM resurfacing.
4. “Hostile” K-Pop Takeover
Last year, when it was announced that HYBE had purchased Lee Soo Man‘s shares of SM Entertainment, more than 85% of SM’s employees had a negative opinion on the matter.
SM Entertainment’s CEO Lee Sung Soo Calls Out HYBE For Their “Hostile M&A” That Could Monopolize The Industry
Bang Si Hyuk would go on to refute these claims in an interview with CNN.
5. Lying To Seem More Knowledgeable
Bang Si Hyuk, known as an otaku, was discovered been caught lying about collecting a specific manga, Wink.
While this seems like a small matter, netizens were disgruntled as Bang Si Hyuk often used his otaku status to his advantage in business matters.
