Botched Beauty: Hive Apologizes for Scathing Review of ‘Extreme Plastic Surgery’ After Backlash
Entertainment company ‘Hive’, which sparked controversy over an industry trend report containing reviews of singers’ appearances, formally apologized five days later.
Additionally, Mr. Kang, the head of Weavers magazine who wrote the report, has been relieved of his post.
Hive CEO Lee Jae-sang said on Hive’s official website today, “It was only shared with a few people for the purpose of gathering public opinion, but the content of the document was very inappropriate,” he said.
In addition, he explained, “We respectfully and formally apologize to the external artists,” and “We are contacting each organization separately and apologizing directly.”
“We will establish guidelines and strengthen internal controls to ensure that such problems do not recur,” he promised.
Earlier, on the 24th, during an audit by the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, it was pointed out that Hive prepared industry trend data targeting members of domestic idol groups.
The report criticized the appearance of domestic idol singers, such as “the members debuted at an age when they were likely to be ugly,” “none of them have the facial features of an idol and the plastic surgery was too severe,” and “the other members are too ugly.”
When controversy arose during the government audit, Hive responded on its website, “This is only a document that gathers industry public opinion and does not represent Hive’s position,” adding, “We will hold those who leaked it to account. Ultimately accountable.” Draw more criticism. i got it
Meanwhile, Seungkwan, a member of Group Seventeen under Hive label Pledis Entertainment, drew attention by posting a post criticizing the company.
This morning, Seungkwan criticized on his SNS, “You are not a person who is so smooth and gently active that you can easily go up and down and be judged.”
He further said, I hope people will not take the idol lightly.
He also emphasized, “We don’t deserve to be easily included in our narrative,” and “not just to us, but to other artists, we’re not your item.”