Fans suspect HYBE led “Aespa Hate Train” after internal documents leaked

On October 24, 2024, HYBE COO Kim Tae Ho took part in an examination with the National Assembly. During the audit, internal documents were presented that not only affected HYBE’s groups, but also contained comments on other companies’ groups. One particular document caught the attention of many.

The document entitled “Music Industry Report” was presented during the audit.

Document emailed from internal employees. | Channel A news

In one part of the report a group of was highlighted SM entertainment that the fans recognized it and named it aespa due to the contextual clues, although the name has been redacted for privacy reasons.

June 1, 2022

All the time [redacted]Fans used this argument as a shield for the live singing skills, claiming that they were good but the company didn’t let them, but everything failed [redacted]. Now their lip syncing has become an issue again and fans are directing the hate in directions other than the group itself. We believe that SM fandoms can definitely redirect and distract from the issue very quickly. The company must be the villain to fully protect members. It seems like the easiest way to deal with the sentiment that they are declining compared to the rise of other 4th generation girl groups is to blame the company.

– Document

It seems like the HYBE staff was aware of the hate Aespa was receiving at the time of her Coachella performance. It took place in April 2022, while the report was dated June 2022. Although the document only seemed to take into account the backlash and controversy Aespa experienced, fans have become suspicious that the company could be behind the hate Aespa has received.

Hybe sees Aespa escape the hate train they created and is now one of the most famous groups with four consecutive periods of successpic.twitter.com/VqMGOUdsZb

— Geræld⁴ | WHIPLASH 21/10 🏁 (@MY_thirstysoty_) October 24, 2024

Such hype behind Coachella/Girls Hate Train for Aespa…I wonder what they felt after Aespa released Spicy and turned public opinion back in their favor…pic.twitter.com/OSn6rVkxYa

— Geræld⁴ | WHIPLASH 21/10 🏁 (@MY_thirstysoty_) October 24, 2024

No hybe running the huge negative media play of Aespa Coachella only for his own GG to come off the worst of them all years later 😭

— ☘︎ (@nwjnsbts) October 24, 2024

HYBE had previously denied the allegations in a since-deleted statement. They claimed the report only served to provide internal information about how social media fandoms work.