Does anyone else think HYBE’s handling of girl groups is questionable?

This is no hate to any of the members. I respect all the girls. This is just what I’ve been thinking based on what’s been happening recently and over the past few weeks.

Also, this is not me stating facts, this is my interpretation. But at the same time, I do think people can kind of see why HYBE comes off as shady when it comes to how they handle girl groups.

For people who are already into K-pop, you probably already have an idea. But for those who aren’t, I’ll try to explain why I think this.

First, HYBE is a company that owns multiple labels. So when I talk about their groups, it also includes groups under those labels.

Let’s talk about GFRIEND.

GFRIEND was doing really well, especially around 2020–2021. They even had a strong release right before everything happened. Then suddenly, they had an abrupt disbandment.

What makes it more questionable is:

- This happened after Source Music became part of HYBE

- The members themselves said they did not intend to disband

- Their contracts were terminated rather than it being a voluntary group decision

So it wasn’t like they chose to end things — it just happened.

There were also discussions at the time about possible differences in direction and a shift toward newer groups.

Then not long after, LE SSERAFIM debuted under the same label (Source Music).

There was also the Garam situation, which brought a lot of attention during their debut period. I’m not saying what’s true or not there, but the timing of everything has always stood out to me.

If you look at other HYBE girl groups:

- GLAM (earlier era, different situation but still controversial)

- fromis_9

- NewJeans

- LE SSERAFIM

- ILLIT

It feels like there’s always something happening, whether it’s controversies, member changes, or management issues.

I’m not saying all situations are the same, but when you look at everything together, it doesn’t feel like there’s been a completely smooth, stable trajectory for any of them.

Because of that, I personally feel like HYBE is better at managing boy groups than girl groups, and the difference is noticeable.

Now with Geffen:

Geffen doesn’t really have strong experience managing girl groups, especially in this kind of global/K-pop system. So it feels like they might be leaning more on HYBE, even if they don’t fully agree with everything.

From what I saw (especially in the documentary), it felt like:

- Geffen focused more on skill set and group balance

- HYBE focused more on global appeal, visuals, and marketability

When KATSEYE was formed, it almost feels like:

HYBE handled the vision and lineup, while Geffen handled more of the promotion side.

And this is where I think the conflict starts.

About Manon (again, no hate at all):

There are discussions (and a TikTok I saw, credit to BethSpoon) suggesting she may have been directly scouted for global appeal and presence, which would also bring in a wider audience.

That doesn’t mean she isn’t talented — she clearly improved a lot over time.

But it’s possible she didn’t start with the exact same passion as others, and instead developed it later, which is completely valid.

However, when you combine that with recent things like:

- her hiatus

- social media changes

- statements about “ongoing discussions”

it starts to feel like something more is going on.

My personal interpretation is:

- HYBE wants to keep Manon (for business, audience, and overall impact)

- Geffen may not fully align with that

- and that could be causing internal differences

I also feel like HYBE is trying to hold things together, while Geffen may be leaning toward their own vision.

Because of that, I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if HYBE and Geffen eventually part ways if their visions keep clashing.

About the “Pinky” leak:

This is just a theory, but the storyboard/music leak felt really off to me.

I’m not saying this is true, but I could see a few possibilities:

- it was leaked to test fan reactions

- it was just a security issue (like password)

- or it could have been intentionally leaked by a staff member

The last one is just speculation, but I feel like leaks sometimes don’t happen randomly. It could even be tied to internal disagreements — like someone leaking something on purpose if they don’t agree with decisions being made.

Again, I’m not claiming this is what happened — just a theory.

About Prelude:

This is also just my interpretation, but Prelude feels like it leans more toward Geffen’s vision.

It seems like it aligns more with the type of group or members they may have originally wanted (like Emily, Lexie, etc.).

It almost feels like a backup direction, in case things don’t work out with KATSEYE.

Overall, I just feel like:

- HYBE and Geffen have different visions

- KATSEYE is stuck in the middle

- and that’s why things feel off

And based on everything, I personally wouldn’t be surprised if changes happen soon.

Again, this is just my perspective. I could be wrong.

Please keep things respectful, especially toward the members. If you have other thoughts, feel free to share them respectfully.