'Truly evil': Fired BIGHIT staff mentions BTS in explosive post exposing HYBE

Time of India

07-06-2025

It's June — the month the fandom, ARMY, has been eagerly awaiting, as it marks the discharge of the world's biggest group, BTS, from their mandatory military service in South Korea. However, this month has also seen the group's agency, HYBE, land in hot water.
Now, amid the issues plaguing HYBE, a former employee has come forward to share their experience with the company. Former BIGHIT Communications Director Elly Chae Eun has publicly criticized HYBE and its chairman, Bang Si Hyuk.
Fired BIGHIT staff exposes HYBE
In a recent social media post, she spoke about the toxic work environment and unethical corporate practices at the company. Chae Eun, who claims she was dismissed in 2017 for not aligning with the company's preferences, described a highly demanding work culture at HYBE. She recounted experiences of late-night work communications, significant weight loss, and hair loss due to stress.
In the post made on her Threads account, she wrote in Korean: "[Truly Evil]… This is the hidden story behind the process of being promoted to an executive — something even I didn't know. It was normal to receive work instructions through KakaoTalk or phone calls in the middle of the night. I used to sleep with my phone next to me at all times. I lost 7kg over two years after joining the company and even experienced symptoms of hair loss. I poured my heart into my work, taking care of the company's male idols — 'sons of others' — rather than my own precious children."
She also alleged that after her departure, HYBE handed out billions (₩50–100 billion) to insiders who hadn't contributed during its early days. This ties into ongoing Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) investigations into Bang Si Hyuk's alleged IPO-related fraud and insider profits.
"And yet, the company just dismissed me, saying I 'no longer suited their preferences.' Later, they went into business with acquaintances and handed them hundreds of billions of won (₩50 billion, ₩100 billion) without hesitation. These people hadn't contributed even once when the company was struggling and trying to grow."
Elly Chae Eun mentions BTS
However, she also mentioned BTS in her statement, clarifying that the group was not involved in any wrongdoing. Notably, BTS members were each allocated approximately 68,000 shares prior to HYBE's public listing in 2020, amounting to around $6.7 million per member.
In contrast, Bang Si Hyuk reportedly earned approximately $300 million through the IPO, leading to public criticism over the stark disparity in profit distribution.
"I sincerely congratulated the BTS members when they were given shares and became wealthy. They absolutely deserved everything they achieved — those seven were the beginning of HYBE itself. But the ones who later swooped in and devoured shareholders' stocks at cheap prices, who went behind people's backs… people who played golf with corporate cards, lounged in luxury rooms, drank alcohol — they are the real evil ones. Truly evil. I will fight to the end. Quietly, according to the law."
As HYBE faces intensified scrutiny amid these allegations, BTS is preparing for a highly anticipated full-group comeback — their first reunion since completing military service.
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