Elly Chae Eun, former BigHit Communications Director, is calling out HYBE and Bang Si Hyuk over “greed” and workplace harassment.
On June 7, 2025, Elly went viral after posting on Threads that she was forced out of her position at BigHit. She also shared a private 2017 incident where Bang Si Hyuk allegedly pressured her to vote for Moon Jae In during a tense political moment.
Elly described the incident:
“A Sunday a few days before the 2017 presidential election — I had to go to work because there was a lot to do, and I even ended up having a meal with the CEO. A random kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) place in front of the office.”
“At the time, the atmosphere was heated due to the upcoming early election after the president’s impeachment. I was originally a centrist, but I felt like I had to pick someone anyway.”
“That’s when the CEO said: ‘We have to vote for Moon Jae In!’ … ‘We have to vote for Moon Jae In so the country can survive!’”
“He suddenly grabbed my hand and earnestly pleaded that I must vote for Moon Jae In.”
“It was extremely uncomfortable and bewildering. Even though I had clearly expressed my political stance, he insisted and even made unwanted physical contact to push his opinion. Isn’t this exactly what we call power harassment in the workplace?”
Elly hinted that Bang Si Hyuk’s rise to millionaire status contrasts sharply with her treatment, ending with:
“Anyway, fast forward 8 years — he’s now a millionaire, and about to be investigated by the Financial Supervisory Service and the prosecution.”
Bang Si Hyuk is currently under investigation by the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) for allegedly misleading investors into selling shares to a private equity fund tied to a close associate. Multiple search and seizure warrants have been executed related to alleged financial frauds involving HYBE.
As the presidential election nears again in South Korea, Elly’s post has reignited scrutiny on HYBE’s chairman and the agency’s internal culture.
Stay tuned as the situation unfolds.
