Fact Check: Did HYBE Stage ILLIT’s Wonhee Reporting Hate Comments?

This article is part of our coverage of HYBE vs. ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin. You can read more and view the entire timeline here.

Recently, a controversial moment during ILLIT‘s Weverse livestream has gone viral.

Previously, the group faced accusations of copying NewJeans‘ music, choreography, and concept which has all lead to an increase in malicious comments.

During the Weverse live celebrating their 50th day since debut on May 15, Wonhee was seen reporting hate comments, garnering a sympathetic reaction from netizens and gaining attention across social media.

i noticed wonhee keeps on looking at the screen and reporting the hate :(( pic.twitter.com/y0WKZPoo4G

— adriana enillit defender | memorabilia ☆ (@seasonsenha) May 14, 2024

The four other members focus on a tablet, reading the positive comments aloud. However, netizens began to question if this is a planned virality stunt from HYBE.

Earlier in the livestream, Wonhee is seen continuously looking off screen at staff while the other members are engaged in conversation.

Moments later, she is handed a phone by a staff member and slides it into frame. Netizens noted how it seems strange that Wonhee is the only one with a phone on the table that was handed to her by the staff while the rest of the members look at a tablet. Additionally, she is sitting at the very end.

While some netizens are convinced that Wonhee reporting hate comments happened naturally, others believe the event could be staged by the company in attempt to gain sympathy from the public. Regardless, many show sympathy for the members who have no control over the situation.

• “I can’t wrap my head around the fact that they handed her phone amid everything that has been going on. If this is not staged, then HYBE literally does not know how to grasp the situation.”
• “Surely not staged, right? If it is staged, then that’s terrifying. Isn’t it?”
• “It’s just HYBE being insane. What are they even doing to the kid?”
• “HYBE is seriously trash.”
• “Handing her a phone out of nowhere, lol.”
• “I feel terrible for the member. People need to stop bullying her.”

HYBE has yet to make a statement on the incident.