HYBE's Secret Weapon Amid Controversy Isn't a New Song—It's Free Bungeoppang

While HYBE navigates a storm of corporate controversy and legal battles, its most effective PR move isn't a chart-topping single—it's a free, fish-shaped pastry. A beloved Korean winter snack is unexpectedly warming public opinion toward the embattled K-Pop giant.

A Conglomerate in Crisis

HYBE's reputation among fans has been mixed lately. The company has been grappling with a high-profile rift with one of its sub-labels concerning the group NewJeans. Adding to the pressure, founder Bang Si Hyuk faced legal challenges, including a court order for the seizure of over $100 million in assets related to alleged insider trading, according to Nate News reports. These incidents have cast a shadow over the entertainment powerhouse.

The Sweet Diversion: A Bungeoppang Craze

The shift in conversation began when a post went viral on the Korean online forum Theqoo. It compiled instances of HYBE artists—from TWS and ILLIT to LE SSERAFIM—raving about the bungeoppang served in the company's cafeteria. For the uninitiated, bungeoppang is a fish-shaped pastry, typically filled with red bean paste, and is one of South Korea's most popular winter street foods.

The artists revealed a surprising variety of flavors beyond the traditional, including matcha, apple cinnamon, sweet mozzarella, and the much-discussed 'Dubai chocolate'. According to photos shared by idols, HYBE invested in its own bungeoppang machine to make the treats fresh in-house, a detail that delighted fans. LE SSERAFIM's Chaewon even joked that the delicious pastries were to blame for any weight gain, a testament to their popularity.

"I'm F*cking Jealous": How a Pastry Changed the Narrative

The pull of freshly-baked bungeoppang seems to have completely turned online sentiment around. Netizens on Theqoo responded with overwhelmingly positive comments. “Are they giving those to the employees, too? The benefits are insane!” wrote one user. Another added, “Dubai chocolate bungeoppang is crazy. I’m f*cking jealous.” The simple, thoughtful perk humanized the corporation, shifting the focus from boardroom battles to the company's culture.