GFRIEND Fans Launch Protest, Urge HYBE To “Speak Up”

Buddy, GFRIEND‘s fandom, has launched a hashtag protest in the hopes of reaching HYBE and Source Music.

GFRIEND | Source Music

In May, GFRIEND’s agency confirmed that the group would not be renewing their exclusive artist contract, which concluded on May 22. The news came as a shock to GFRIEND fans, who have supported the group for the past six years.

After careful consideration and extensive discussion, GFRIEND and Source Music have come to an agreement to go separate paths and show an even better image.

— Source Music

Buddy’s hashtag protest launched on June 28, using the hashtag #HybeSpeakUp. The purpose of the protest is to procure a “frank statement” from HYBE about GFRIEND’s contract as well as the “alleged violations of the E-Commerce Act and Data Privacy Act.” 

Earlier this month, Weverse accidentally exposed customers’ personal information by mistakenly leaving the results for their refunds form open to the public. Following GFRIEND’s contract termination, fans had requested cash refunds instead of points from Weverse.

In a post titled, “Please allow us to express our deepest apology to all fans,” Weverse apologized for the error and for their previous mishandling of the refund system.

| Weverse

The #HybeSpeakUp protest is scheduled to continue until July 4.

GFRIEND