Seungkwan of SEVENTEEN has shared a post addressing concerns about an internal document from his agency, raising issues about idol evaluations contained within it.

On October 29, Seungkwan expressed his thoughts on personal social media, saying, "I don't want to see any more situations where we hurt each other." He admitted that his message might come across as intrusive or rash but stated that he had chosen to speak out.

He shared his personal struggles, explaining, "I’ve witnessed many things and tried to suppress my feelings, thinking that everything would pass in time. I worked hard with my members, as I always have." However, he explained that he could no longer stay silent, adding, "Watching the situation unfold and hoping it will die down is not enough. I cannot remain quiet for the sake of my loved ones, fans, members, and all my fellow colleagues who are working hard right now."

Referring to the entertainers mentioned in HYBE’s internal document, Seungkwan defended his colleagues. "At least the people I know and call friends are those who genuinely love what they do with a pure heart," he said.

Seungkwan went on to stress, "Being a celebrity may come with certain sacrifices because of the love we receive, but it should not be a job where we must endure until we are on the brink of collapse."

He criticized those involved in creating and circulating the controversial document. "These are not people whose efforts can be casually discussed and judged. They have worked tirelessly to show their best on stage for their fans. Please do not take idols lightly," he pleaded.

He further emphasized, "You do not have the right to interfere with our narratives. We are not your items to use and enjoy as you please."

Seungkwan concluded by expressing his hope for a more positive and supportive environment. "I hate watching someone collapse and give up in the end. That is my sincere wish," he said. He closed with a heartfelt message to fans, saying, "I am sorry to those fans who continue to love us warmly, even at this moment. I love you all."

The document hinted at in Seungkwan’s statement was partially disclosed during a National Assembly hearing by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee on October 24. The document, titled "Industry Trends Review," was said to contain assessments of public opinion regarding various idols, including comments on their appearance and unverified rumors.

HYBE responded by stating, "The monitoring report compiles a variety of opinions and reactions from fandoms and the industry. It is not HYBE's official stance." The company further declared that it would take action against those responsible for selectively leaking provocative content from the document, making it appear that HYBE had produced material criticizing its artists.

Below is the full text of Seungkwan’s statement:

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I no longer want to see us hurt each other.

I’ve witnessed many things over the years, suppressing my feelings and thinking, "This will pass somehow," while continuing to work hard with my members. But now, watching the situation unfold and just hoping it will die down is not enough. I believe I can no longer remain silent for the sake of my loved ones, my fans, my members, and all the colleagues working hard right now.

To some, this might seem intrusive or rash, but I have decided to speak out.

Being a celebrity was my choice, and I know it involves enduring certain hardships because of the love we receive. However, it is not a job where we should have to endure to the point of breaking ourselves down just to survive.

I only wanted to give my best, repay the fans who love me, and share good energy in as many ways as possible. The burden and pressure are immense, both mentally and physically.

Despite everything, we continue to persevere. Some approach it rationally, some smile through it, and others adapt and endure, no matter how difficult. But the belief that we must bear it simply because we chose this path feels unfair and cruel.

Some days are bright, and others are gloomy. Today is one of those gloomy days for me. There have been times when I tried to stay positive, and times when I forced myself to smile. But today, it feels particularly tough. I also feel sorrow for those who may be hurting at this moment, and I feel frustrated that I cannot comfort everyone.

At least the colleagues and friends I know in this industry genuinely love what they do. They care so deeply that they sometimes get hurt, and they love so passionately that they sometimes feel empty. Still, they live each day with love—for themselves, for their members, for their families, and for their fans.

I want to make this clear: These are not people who can be casually judged. They have endured pain, fallen down, and picked themselves back up to show the best version of themselves to their fans. Please do not underestimate idols.

No one has the right to meddle in our narratives—not just ours, but those of other artists too. We are not your items to use and enjoy at will.

Even performing on music shows for just one week leaves us physically drained. On top of that, we have commercials, events, concerts, and other schedules to juggle. Yet, there are so many colleagues who still greet others warmly with a smile, even when they are struggling.

I try to respond with a smile whenever someone greets me warmly, because that’s the least I can do. A simple greeting from a colleague or a message written in an album can make a tiring day feel a bit lighter. I just hope everyone can stay healthy and not get hurt.

I genuinely enjoy the challenge culture. Whether it’s between close friends or new acquaintances, filming dance challenges together outside the stage is a beautiful way to create small memories during our youth. If fans enjoy it, even better. And if we can offer a word of encouragement to each other after filming, I think that in itself is meaningful and something to be grateful for.

I know I need to try harder, but I hope we can all become a little kinder. If we can look at each other warmly, cheer each other on, and treat each other with kindness, things might improve. I hate watching someone collapse and give up in the end. Let’s stop inflicting wounds we can’t heal. That is my sincere wish.

I no longer want to see my members, colleagues, our hardworking staff, or our fans get hurt. To those fans who continue to love us warmly, even now, I am sorry and I love you.