ENTERTAINMENT
Public Petition Calls for Exclusive Hearing on HYBE Amid Controversies
Petitioner A recently registered a public petition seeking an exclusive hearing on HYBE, with public support being gathered from October 15 to December 15.
A explained the purpose of the petition, stating, "HYBE is the only conglomerate designated in the entertainment industry. The hearing is requested to address the weaknesses in current legislation exposed by social issues, to supplement existing laws, and to propose new legislation where current laws are insufficient."
A further stated, "It is time for various allegations surrounding HYBE's management and business activities to be revealed. Through the hearing, we hope for a fair and transparent investigation to uphold the rule of law in South Korea, and for the supplementation and enactment of relevant laws."
Additionally, A pointed out the lack of records related to the selection of 'Exemplary Companies.' "It was revealed during a national audit that there are no records of the selection and decision-making process. The Records Management Act mandates that all public officials must protect and manage records related to their duties for at least one year," A said. "Exemplary Companies receive about 200 benefits, including tax audit exemptions and regular labor inspection exemptions. If there are no records, it is a significant issue," A continued, urging the National Assembly to investigate potential negligence and demand disciplinary action if documents were destroyed.
A also mentioned internal documents from HYBE discussed during the national audit. "There are allegations of producing, distributing, and executing reports containing defamatory views against industry peers, as well as suspicions of unfair trade practices like forced album sales and gambling-like random photo cards. We urge the National Assembly to pursue a hearing," A asserted.
Lastly, A highlighted allegations of employee overwork at HYBE. "Despite the issue of overwork, there has been no statement on artist protection or submission of requested materials by the time of this petition. Employees have exposed deadly labor practices, such as being forced to work after registering unused leave. We urge the National Assembly to demand oversight and sanctions from the relevant department," A stated.
The petition garnered 13,000 signatures within three days as of 10:20 AM on the 18th. A public petition must receive 50,000 signatures within 30 days to be referred to the relevant standing committee of the National Assembly. If the threshold is not met, it is automatically discarded. Given that a previous petition calling for the cancellation of HYBE's 'Exemplary Company' status surpassed 50,000 signatures within 10 days, industry insiders predict this petition may also exceed the required number within the designated period. However, political insiders note that even if the petition reaches the required number, holding an exclusive hearing remains challenging.
