Female Journalist Tries To Blow The Whistle On HYBE, But Retracts Post Out Of Fear

On September 17, 2024 (KST), a female Korean journalist took to her personal Instagram and posted about the past controversy of HYBE America‘s current COO.

Kim, who works both as a stylist and a New York correspondent of Harper’s BAZAAR Korea, posted about a female artist who was invited by the HYBE COO to his hotel room in Miami and was later found dead in his room due to an overdose. She also hinted that there were more incidents to talk about, but she chose not to.

Last year (2023), the COO of HYBE America took a female trainee in her early twenties, who was about to debut, to a hotel in Miami, USA. Unfortunately, the woman died due to a drug overdose. I have a lot more to say, but I won’t say anything further. For those who wonder what relevance this has, you can just go on your way.

— Kim

The incident she referred to in the story involves David Bolno, the COO of HYBE America and righthand man to HYBE America CEO Scooter Braun. According to some past reports, 24-year-old Camila Sterling, who was an aspiring singer, was found dead in the hotel room of Bolno on March 30, 2023. Some reports also identified the victim as 34-year-old Laura Lozano.

Investigation Of HYBE America COO For Death Of Aspiring Singer Resurfaces

Though Bolno was cleared of any suspicion by the investigative authorities, doubts around his involvement in the case lingered and even resurfaced a few months ago.

Soon after posting about this incident, Kim took it down and posted an explanation, stating that her acquaintances were worried about her well-being.

I’m deleting that because my acquaintances are very worried. For those who don’t know anything about the world and just criticize anything they don’t want to hear while only typing away on their keyboards from the safety of their own homes, you can stay right where you are. I’ve been getting a lot of DMs. You can simply send screenshots and the lawyers will handle them properly. Thank you sincerely for your concern.

— Kim

She later added another story, recanting completely, adding that what she had posted was a rumor, and apologized for “providing incorrect information” to her followers.

The content I posted earlier and then voluntarily deleted was a rumor. I apologize for posting it without understanding the details and for providing incorrect information to many people. I also extend my sincere apologies to anyone who may have been affected.

— Kim

Though Kim recanted, her post went viral on X (former Twitter), alarming K-Pop fans. The news spread across Korean communities as well, leaving Korean netizens on edge.

• “Disgusting and filthy, I feel like throwing up. Damn it.”
• “Wow… The incidents that got buried were also probably foul. So disgusting.”
• “All these people probably hang out together because their levels are similar. Is there a guarantee that you-know-who doesn’t act like this, too? Looking at the photos taken there, hmm…”
• “This was something they were trying to be hush-hush about… It’s all a case of birds of a feather flocking together. Scooter included.”
• “Why are they not sacking him? All the female idols debuting will be under suspicion.”