Fans Get Vocal Against HYBE’s Latest Statement Regarding Scooter Braun

It was reported by a Korean news outlet.
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Koreaboo

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For the past few months, an intersection of different HYBE fandoms has been campaigning for the label to distance itself from Zionism in the wake of the alarming aggressions on Palestinian civilians by Israel. Since October, the Gaza Strip has recorded over 28,473 deaths, an even higher number of fatal injuries, and a forced starvation of the internally displaced population.

People worldwide have mobilized into action, demanding for the violence to end. One of the biggest collective efforts for this cause has been boycotting businesses to have the public’s voices heard. In the sphere of K-Pop, pro-Palestinian fans have also organized these efforts, calling for a boycott of the “Big 4” (YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, SM Entertainment, and HYBE).

Amidst all four companies, fans of HYBE artists have grown increasingly concerned over the company’s association with Zionism and have been constantly asking for a divestment through the hashtag #HYBEDivestFromZionism. One of the biggest demands from fans to the company right now is the removal of Scooter Braun, the CEO of HYBE America.

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HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk (left) and Scooter Braun (right). | @scooterbraun/Twitter

Braun, who was already infamous among fans for his history of alleged mismanagement of artists, including the likes of Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, and Ariana Grande, is also a staunch supporter of Zionist ideologies, which many fans have taken issue with. His association with allegedly problematic individuals is another point of contention as well. Apart from trending hashtags and calling for a boycott, some fans also sent a protest truck to HYBE’s headquarters in Seoul in hopes of having their voices heard. Many believe that Braun has responded to these campaigns tacitly, through either sending “intimidating” messages to fan accounts directly or through his own Instagram posts.

Though HYBE has not responded directly to any of these campaigns, in the recent media coverage of the topic by the Korean-English outlet The Korea Times, it was mentioned that HYBE had stated that the remarks made by Braun are “personal” and are not associated with the company.

It is a personal statement that is separate from company management.

— HYBE

The report also claimed that HYBE did not comment on the recent protest truck.

This response from the K-Pop giant has been met with backlash from fans on social media. Many opined that Braun being so visibly involved with HYBE’s projects at such a high level undeniably ties his “personal” statements to the company. Others also argued that HYBE’s chairman, Bang Si Hyuk, previously said on record that he wants the company to present “the right values” along with its business aspirations, a claim that they think fell flat in front of this statement.

As complex as the current situation with HYBE is, this is not the first time fans have demanded direct action from the company on the grounds of moral standing. In 2018, BIGHIT MUSIC scrapped a song titled “Bird,” which was scheduled to be released in November that year. A significant portion of ARMYs campaigned against the song, accusing the songwriter Yasushi Akimoto of being a follower of “right-wing ideology” and his previously “misogynistic lyrics.” Since taking a moral stand based on fans’ concerns is not unprecedented in HYBE’s history, it remains to be seen whether the label will take any significant actions moving forward.

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