Can’t stay silent any longer: SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan speaks out on toxic culture in Kpop industry amid HYBE controversy

Amid rising conversations surrounding toxicity in Kpop industry, SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan took to Instagram to express his frustrations regarding recent controversies surrounding HYBE, which has been portrayed negatively in the media. Echoing the sentiments of BTS’ Jungkook, he showed his support for the members of NewJeans, highlighting the unity among groups under the same parent company, despite being part of different sub-labels.

Seungkwan’s post not only indirectly expresses his frustration with the ongoing controversy surrounding HYBE but also serves as a critique of toxic fans who "underestimate idols" and treat them like puppets. He wrote, “I no longer want to see us hurt each other. I’ve tried to quietly endure it, hoping things would pass, but I can’t stay silent any longer. My fans, my members, and my fellow artists work tirelessly, and I won’t just stand by while they’re hurt.”

“Being an idol isn’t something I should have to endure while it eats away at me. I just want to give my best and share positive energy with my fans in every way I can,” he wrote per AllKpop’s English translation. “Please don’t underestimate idols. We are not your items to use as you please. We fight for every moment on stage, and it takes a toll.”


Recently, a member of chart-topping girl group NewJeans testified for South Korean lawmakers Tuesday as part of an enquiry into workplace harassment, amid a boardroom drama over her super producer.

In recent years, South Korea's K-pop industry has become a global juggernaut powered by the success of groups like BTS, but domestically it is known for imposing strict standards and controls on fledgling stars. Rising K-pop idols are expected to adhere to their powerful agency's behaviour and appearance guidelines, with many stars describing receiving extreme backlash from fans over perceived mistakes in their personal lives, for example dating.

Hanni, 20, who is Vietnamese-Australian, has spoken publicly about being bullied in the workplace, saying she overheard a manager linked to her agency's parent company instructing other idols to "ignore" her. Recalling an incident where she felt marginalized during preparations for a performance at Busan University, she shared, “There is a floor in the HYBE building where we get our hair and makeup done. I finished early and was waiting in the hallway.” In her testimony, as reportedly by allkpop, Hanni explained that a female manager had instructed others to "just ignore her," which left her feeling deeply unsettled. “This wasn’t a one-time occurrence. If I didn’t come forward, it would have been quietly overlooked. I came forward because I didn’t want anyone else to experience this,” Hanni added.