HYBE's Internal Leak Reveals Concerns Over Le Sserafim's Live Vocals: What's Next for the Rising K-pop Group?

A recent leak from within HYBE, the powerhouse behind BTS and other notable K-pop acts, has brought attention to the live vocal performances of their emerging group, Le Sserafim. The leaked documents, which surfaced online on November 1, have sparked discussions about the group's performance quality and the company's response to criticisms.

Le Sserafim, a rising girl group under the HYBE label, has been under scrutiny for their live vocals following various public appearances, including music show encores and a performance at Coachella in April 2024. The leaked document not only acknowledges these critiques but also draws parallels to the challenges faced by another K-pop artist, Lim Young-woong.

According to the leaked document, there is a growing concern within HYBE about potential exploitation of Le Sserafim's weaknesses, particularly in live singing. The document emphasizes the importance of addressing these concerns to enhance the group's performance skills and maintain a positive public image.

HYBE, known for its meticulous approach to artist development and management, has been navigating through recent controversies. Earlier, parts of the company's internal "music industry report" were disclosed during a National Assembly audit, raising questions about the transparency and monitoring practices within the organization.

The report, compiled weekly by a HYBE executive identified as A, who is also the editor-in-chief of Weverse Magazine, was shared with top HYBE executives, including Chairman Bang Si Hyuk. In response to the leak, HYBE clarified that the report primarily consisted of monitoring data and did not reflect the official stance of the company.

Kim Tae Ho, HYBE's COO and Belift Lab CEO, addressed the situation by stating, "While this document was created within HYBE, it merely contains monitoring data and does not represent HYBE's stance. We acknowledge the report's inappropriateness and will work to prevent similar issues from recurring."

Following the leak, HYBE released a statement on its website, further clarifying the nature of the monitoring report. The statement highlighted that the report gathered opinions and sentiments from fandoms and the industry, serving as a reference for internal discussions and not as an official company position.

As the K-pop industry continues to evolve and expand globally, the spotlight on artist performances and company practices intensifies. For Le Sserafim, the leaked documents serve as a reminder of the challenges that come with being in the public eye and the importance of continuous improvement in all aspects of their craft.