On Tuesday, October 29, SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan expressed his disappointment over the current situation on his Instagram account, especially in light of recent controversial reports ranking HYBE as the big bad. In a move similar to BTS’s Jungkook, he was seen standing in solidarity with the members of Newzines – with all the groups sharing the same parent company banner despite falling under different sub-labels.

In addition to speaking at length in an extensive and touching caption on his social media post, the Seventeen singer shared a personal note from fellow K-pop star NMIXX’s Heswon. The heartfelt move indicated that the HYBE artists are standing in support of each other despite leaked internal documents that revealed that their label’s employees are reportedly under the influence of not only their own company but other major agencies like SM, JYP, and YG. Following the derogatory pattern of insulting idols.

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Check out SEVENTEEN Seungkwan’s Instagram post

However, Seungkwan’s post does not indirectly express his pain over the ongoing controversy with HYBE at the center. It can also be interpreted as speaking out against the harsh criticisms made by toxic fans who “underestimate idols” and treat them like puppets. “I don’t want to see us hurt each other anymore. I’ve tried to bear it quietly, hoping things will pass, but I can’t stay quiet anymore. My fans, my members, and my fellow artists work tirelessly, and I will not stand by when they are hurt,” the post began.

“Being an idol is not something I have to endure even though it eats away at me. I just want to do my best and share positive energy with my fans in every possible way,” he wrote, according to AllKpop’s English translation. “Please don’t underestimate idols. We are not your objects to use as you wish. We fight for every moment on stage, and there are consequences.”

In a way, he was reiterating the message he previously highlighted during his 2023 MAMA Awards acceptance speech in a touching tribute to his longtime friend, the late Moonbin (of Astro). “If we could all warm up a little, I think things might get better. I don’t like to see others break and lose. Let’s stop creating pain we can’t take responsibility for. This is my true hope,” Seungkwan continued in his post.

“Thank you and I love you,” he concluded the message. I just want everyone to be healthy and happy.”

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Seungkwan’s 2023 MAMA speech dedicated to fellow K-pop artists, especially the late Astro’s Moonbin

Last year, the “Super” hitmaker boy group took home the trophy for Album of the Year (including Best Male Group and Best Dance Performance Male) at the MAMA Awards. Seungkwan was one of the members who took the mic during the group’s nearly 10-minute Daesang acceptance speech. Still, he showed positive solidarity with fellow hard-working role models rather than making this moment just about himself. “First of all, I would like to thank all the artistes who performed today,” he said. “My respect for you has increased even more after seeing your incredible performance.” He added, “Whether you win any awards or not, I just want you to know that you do amazing, and I learned a lot from you today.”

“It’s definitely not easy to make a living in the K-pop industry. But let’s keep supporting each other and make good memories together.” Furthermore, he went on to emotionally talk about his recently deceased friend. “I’m not sure if it’s appropriate for me to say this here, but a lot has happened this year,” he said after pausing and collecting his thoughts during an emotionally heavy moment. “I want to express my deep gratitude to my friend Moonbin, who has always shown her support for all the members of SEVENTEEN. He loved our team and has been our biggest supporter. Thank you.”

K-pop controversy with agencies as driving force

Earlier this month, a National Assembly audit revealed internal documents of HYBE Co., Ltd., which further revealed that employees of the entertainment company (now pursuing its global chapters in its multinational expansion) allegedly in- House and rival insult the K-pop artists. /Group. The official documents also sought to establish that the company – which remains influential and relevant in the mainstream through its subsidiaries Big Hit Music, Belift Lab, Pledis Entertainment, ADOR, KOZ Entertainment and Source Music – was strategically targeting its Girl The group was planning to get rid of Newgins. ,

Additionally, leaked documents show HYBE allegedly bad-mouthing rival company groups and artists such as Blackpink, Twice, Espa, IVE, Stray Kids, NCT Dream, Zerobesone, and RIIZE’s Seunghan.

While HYBE’s extended feud with its subsidiary, ADOR, formerly led by Min Hee Jin, and resulting NewJeans, has never ended, it’s not the only shaken K-pop foundation.

In October, SM Entertainment reversed its earlier decision to reinstate RIIZE’s Seunghan to the boy group after a 10-month hiatus following an inappropriate controversy. The K-pop agency retracted its previous announcement, revealing that Seunghan had been permanently removed from the band. The sudden decision came after a particular group of toxic South Korean fans unexpectedly sent 1,000 funeral wreaths, calling for the singer’s ouster. This inspired international fan communities to stand in solidarity against the inhumane treatment meted out to the 21-year-old artist and launched a united boycott campaign. Fans counter-questioned SM’s motivations behind accepting the toxic side of fans’ harsh demands and in turn constantly mistreating their own artists.