HYBE has issued an apology following criticism over internal documents containing inappropriate comments about underage idols from rival agencies. The controversy emerged during an October 24th National Assembly hearing in South Korea.

The company's "Weekly Music Industry Report," a competitive analysis document, included concerning remarks about minor entertainers' physical appearances, including comments about plastic surgery and attractiveness. Some of the discussed artists were as young as 12 years old.

Key developments:

• CEO Lee Jae-sang has issued a formal apology
• The weekly report has been discontinued
• The report's author has been reassigned to HR
• Lawmakers suggested possible violations of child-protection laws
• HYBE COO Kim Tae-ho claimed the report merely summarized online opinions

This controversy comes amid other challenges for HYBE, including:

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

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