SEVENTEEN's Seungkwan About HYBE's Conflict: We're Idols, Not Goods

JAKARTA - SEVENTEEN's Seungkwan made the latest post on controversy involving HYBE companies. This news relates to an audit conducted by the Turism, Culture and Sports committee which was held on October 24 by the National Assembly.

In the audit, HYBE was revealed to have a music industry report consisting of 18 thousand pages containing documents regarding artists from other agencies such as SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and other agencies.

The 18 thousand documents contain bad comments about artists from other agencies, rumors that have not been verified, plans to make marketing viral. 20 pages have been circulating online which has caused negative responses from the public.

Tuesday, October 29, Seungkwan as a member of SEVENTEEN who comes from the Pledis Entertainment label under the auspices of HYBE. He said he was worried about the industry he currently lives in.

I don't want to see people hurt each other. Seeing everything that is happening right now, I continue to take care of myself, think this might happen and continue to work hard with members like I did. But looking at this situation and hoping that the fire will stop is not an option," wrote Seungkwan.

Seungkwan felt he wanted to be a celebrity who did his job as a singer well. However, the ongoing news makes the situation more difficult.

I know who works hard in big K-pop industries are people who really love their jobs. But because of their sincerity, they also feel hurt and because they love them so much, sometimes they feel empty, "he continued.

What I want to say is that we are not people who work easily and smoothly so we can be judged. We experienced pain, hurt and tried to fight it, did our best for our fans. I hope people don't see idols with one eye," said Seungkwan.

You have no right to force our narrative. Not only us, but other artists, we are not goods. I hope you can't use and enjoy us as you please," he continued.

Seungkwan continued, K-pop idols are very friendly to each other by exchanging albums and making video challenges together. He is very grateful for their friendship even though they don't really know each other.

I also like the culture of challenge. Even if we are close or not, making video challenges together, dancing songs to each other other besides stage, it is a beautiful thing in our youth we make small memories together. It's even better if fans enjoy it. Even if we know each other, I like us exchanging words of support such as Hwaiting (encourse) for promotion," he said.

"I don't want to see anyone feel hurt and give up. I hope we stop giving wounds for things we can't do. I don't want to see my members, my colleagues working hard, the staff who work for us and our fans feel hurt. For fans who love us, I want to say I'm sorry and I love you," concluded Seungkwan.

Seungkwan also included a letter given by Haewon NMIXX when giving his latest NMIXX album during promotion. In the letter, Haewon thanked Seungkwan for SEVENTEEN's music which really helped him in difficult situations.