HYBE accused of “payola” amid Recording Academy invites for its idols
HYBE is facing controversy after several of its idols were announced as new members of the Recording Academy’s 2025 class.
The GRAMMYs revealed nearly 3,600 music creators invited to join the academy, including HYBE stars TXT’s Yeonjun, ENHYPEN’s Jungwon, SEVENTEEN’s Woozi and Vernon, LE SSERAFIM’s Yunjin, and KATSEYE. Zico, from KOZ Entertainment under HYBE, was also included.
Fans and netizens quickly pointed out all the K-Pop invitees came from HYBE, sparking accusations of payola and favoritism.
"HYBE’s payola basically turned the Recording Academy into inkigayo by putting all their idols there…" — Twitter user Ramez⁴
"hybe company stans will look you dead in the eyes and ask ‘what payola?’" — Twitter user nem
"hybe is so funny ngl they dont even try to hide their fraudulence anymore" — Twitter user iki
Some called HYBE’s dominance suspicious given the idols’ short time in the industry and linked it to HYBE and Scooter Braun’s influence.
"mind u this is their FIRST year in the music industry & yall want to convince me they’re organic & that hybe/scooter braun isn’t pulling strings for them ???" — Twitter user Gee
HYBE supporters pushed back, highlighting the artists’ songwriting and production credits as valid reasons for their inclusion.
"Songwriting credits: YEONJUN – 51 (composition & lyrics) YUNJIN – 27 (composition, writing, producing) WOOZI – 165 (producing, composing, writing) JUNGWON – 3 (writing, composing) ZICO – 161 (composing, writing, arranging, producing) VERNON – 95+ (producing, composing, lyrics)" — Twitter user page.rin
Others noted that applications are submitted by companies, meaning other agencies could submit their artists for consideration.
"I’m not sure I get what people are complaining about. Are you saying that your favs send in applications but weren’t selected? Like Hybe told the Panel not select other idols or are you complaining about other companies not submitting applications? Which one is it?/gen" — Twitter user This Is Sheep
"idk but i think you should tell your faves to apply????? bts is part of the recording academy so don’t doubt if hybe will let their artists apply to become part of the academy. maybe it’s the other companies fault for not letting your faves apply and get the chance to be part" — Twitter user janz
The controversy is still gaining traction as fans and netizens continue debating HYBE’s role in the Recording Academy invites.
