HYBE is facing backlash over its new Latin American boy group project, Santos Bravos.
The project comes from HYBE Latin America, launched in 2023, aiming to enter the Latin music market. After the success of global girl group KATSEYE from Dream Academy, fans expected another strong global group.
The controversy began with the group’s name, Santos Bravos, which many called “stereotypical.”
“let’s take two stereotypical words and put them together”
— chris (@pozoloona)“santos bravos….jk rowling ass name”
— thàis (@jaemiaus)
The lineup of contestants sparked even more criticism. Despite including members from Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Peru, Spain, and the US, fans say it “barely shows any diversity” and fails to represent Latin America’s true beauty.
“What in the paper bag test”
— Ana ⁎𖤐⁎⁺˳✧ UPPUZTRON3000 (@TERRYNAT0R)“HYBE when deciding which black people can be in their groups”
— odessa ★ °✩⋆˙ (@hyeindolls)“no way they’re supposed to represent Latin American men… barely any diversity”
— gayli :Þ (@peggabIe)“im trying so hard not to shit on them bc im latina but im ngl there are so many beautiful latino men and they brought in whitexicans”
— didi novia de taehyun amante de soobin (@miautaehyun)
HYBE is monitoring the situation as the backlash gains traction over representation and group branding. Fans remain divided as the new boy group project moves forward.
