SEVENTEEN’s Fandom 'CARAT' Launches Boycott Against HYBE...
"Condemning Inhumane Actions"

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SEVENTEEN’s fandom, known as 'CARAT,' has launched a boycott against HYBE, escalating fans' frustration following recent controversies involving an internal HYBE report.

Fans’ anger has rapidly turned into concrete action, with many determined to cut financial support for the company.

On platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and various online communities, posts about the HYBE boycott have surged.

Fans are canceling additional purchases of SEVENTEEN’s 12th mini-album and terminating music streaming subscriptions.

The boycott movement is gaining traction under hashtags such as '#BoycottHYBE,' '#SEVENTEEN,' and '#LeaveHYBE.'

Some CARATs have released statements condemning what they call "HYBE's inhumane behavior."

These statements highlight numerous alleged issues, including
"documents targeting other companies’ artists, orchestrated reverse-viral events, concealing overwork-related employee deaths, internal bullying, stockpiling albums and streams, and abusive practices toward subcontractors."

The immediate spark for the boycott was HYBE’s "Music Industry Report," a weekly report shared among executives.

The document reportedly contained not only derogatory comments about rival idols but also derogatory remarks and rumors about their own artists, including SEVENTEEN.

As the situation intensified, SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan shared his stance on Instagram on the 29th, stating, "I can no longer stay silent.

I hope you stop viewing idols as mere items." Fellow member Wonwoo supported Seungkwan’s comments, adding, "Like Seungkwan said, I hope we can live in a kinder world."

In response, HYBE CEO Jae-sang Lee issued a statement acknowledging the report’s inappropriate nature:
"Although it was intended to provide market and public sentiment analysis for select leadership, the document’s content was deeply inappropriate."

He added, "We sincerely apologize to all HYBE Music Group artists who have faced backlash due to the company’s actions."

This controversy raises fundamental questions about K-pop agencies’ attitudes toward both artists and fans.

Fans’ strong opposition to treating artists as mere "products" reveals a deep-seated discontent with this perspective.

Even with HYBE’s apology, attention is focused on how this boycott will unfold and the potential impact on artist-company relations.

This incident could also signal a shift in K-pop’s approach to artist rights and respect.

The current situation highlights the evolving power of fandoms beyond mere support, as they now actively influence corporate behavior and culture within the K-pop industry.

The industry is watching how HYBE will respond to fans’ demands and how this might reshape the entertainment landscape.