A wave of fan outrage has erupted across social media platforms as CARATs, the dedicated fanbase of K-pop powerhouse SEVENTEEN, call out HYBE Corporation and its subsidiary, PLEDIS Entertainment, for what they describe as consistent mismanagement and neglect of the group.
Using hashtags like #TREAT_SVT_BETTER and #더_잘해주세요_하이브_플레디스, fans have launched a full-scale online protest demanding accountability and reform. A viral admin note circulating within the fandom outlines numerous grievances, including:
- Understocked albums in physical stores
- Long delays in shipping online pre-orders
- Poor promotion of recent releases like “BEAM” by members HOSHI and WOOZI
- Repeated scheduling controversies and distribution failures
“These delays directly affect chart performance and sales rankings, especially during critical tracking periods,” the note reads. “It’s time HYBE and PLEDIS do their part.”
Repeated Patterns of Neglect
This isn’t the first time HYBE has been under fire. During a government audit in late 2024, internal HYBE documents were leaked, containing derogatory comments about their own artists, including SEVENTEEN. Member Seungkwan responded publicly, emphasizing that “idols are not commodities.”
In April 2025, fans were outraged when SEVENTEEN’s new album “17 Is Right Here” suffered from major distribution issues, including a lack of album stock in Korea and the absence of a YouTube premiere for the title track “MAESTRO.” Fans accused the label of deliberately sabotaging the group’s success.
Cultural and Strategic Missteps
HYBE and PLEDIS also received backlash for scheduling SEVENTEEN’s encore concert in Japan’s Nissan Stadium on May 26—the group’s debut anniversary—leaving Korean fans feeling sidelined.
Adding fuel to the fire, members Mingyu and S.Coups appeared on the YouTube show Choiza ROAD, hosted by rapper Choiza, the former partner of the late singer Sulli. Many fans viewed this as an insensitive decision, citing lingering trauma over Sulli’s death.
Growing Demand for Change
CARATs worldwide are demanding specific actions:
- Full accountability from HYBE and PLEDIS for repeated failures
- Overhaul of logistics and distribution systems
- Timely and reliable delivery of albums
- Fair promotion and resource allocation for SEVENTEEN
“It’s unacceptable that what holds SEVENTEEN back is not a lack of talent or fan support, but mismanagement from their own companies,” the admin note stated.
A Test for HYBE’s Global Image
SEVENTEEN, known for self-producing their music and delivering world-class performances, has earned a massive international following. Fans argue that the group’s treatment by their own label starkly contrasts with their impact and success.
As HYBE Corporation continues to expand its global footprint, its handling of SEVENTEEN may become a litmus test for how it balances corporate strategy with artist care. For now, the message from fans is clear:
“SEVENTEEN shouldn’t have to fight their own label for a fair shot at success.”
