Everything you need to know about the Hypebae vs. BigBang feud

Hypebae’s coverage of BigBang’s 2020 contract renewal with YG Entertainment quickly turned into a flashpoint when readers spotted loaded framing that pulled in old scandals without full context. The piece, written by Pauline De Leon, framed the renewal through a skeptical lens that many fans felt singled out the group unfairly.

BigBang stans pushed back hard on social media, arguing the article leaned on unverified claims and revived settled issues instead of sticking to the contract news. The platform’s editors left the post live long enough for screenshots to circulate, which only sharpened the criticism.

How did Pauline badmouth BigBang?

The original text referenced Daesung’s Gangnam building matter, noting his public apology and statement that he had been away on military service when the property issues surfaced. Daesung said he planned to cooperate with authorities and take action against those responsible. The piece also referenced Seungri’s ties to the Burning Sun investigation and his subsequent retirement announcement at the end of 2019.

Pauline De Leon’s article quoted a tweet calling the members “a unique group of ex-convicts” without linking to any source, then closed with a promotional nod to BTS. Fans flagged the lack of verification and the decision to spotlight the older scandal right after contract news that otherwise signaled stability.

How are the fans reacting?

Immediate pushback centered on the undocumented quote and the decision to rehash resolved matters. Stans demanded clarification from both the writer and Hypebae’s editors, arguing that readers unfamiliar with the timeline could walk away with an incomplete picture.

That 2020 backlash now sits alongside newer conversations. Fans still reference past media framing when comebacks are announced, but recent sentiment has shifted toward excitement over anniversary plans rather than re-litigating the old article.

Has Hypebae fixed any of this?

Hypebae later revised the post, stripping out the negative framing, the unverified quote, and the BTS promotion. The updated version focuses on Seungri’s retirement announcement without connecting it to the earlier investigation.

No apology or additional statement has appeared from the site or the writer. The edits remain in place, and no further Hypebae-specific backlash tied to the piece has surfaced since the initial revision.

BigBang's 2026 Anniversary Activities

BigBang is preparing for its 20th anniversary as a confirmed trio. YG Entertainment announced a world tour and a Coachella 2026 performance to mark the milestone, shifting attention from past contract drama to current stage plans.

Promotional material positions the shows as a global celebration rather than a simple reunion, with ticketing and production details expected closer to the dates.

Seungri's Legal Outcome and Current Standing

Seungri’s case reached a conclusion in 2022 when a reduced 18-month sentence was upheld on appeal. Court records show he served the time and has since been released, closing the legal chapter that the original Hypebae article left open.

Reporting on the matter now centers on the final outcome rather than pending developments.

Member Label Changes Since 2020

Taeyang and Daesung ended their YG contracts in 2022, and G-Dragon’s agreement expired later. The remaining members now operate under separate management while still aligning for anniversary events.

The shift in label structure explains why recent tour and festival announcements come from multiple teams rather than a single agency rollout.

Ongoing Fan Discussions Around Media Coverage

Fans continue to bring up past incidents when new coverage appears, using the Hypebae example as a reference point for how framing can linger. No fresh Hypebae-specific campaigns have emerged since the 2020 edits, yet the screenshots keep the episode visible in community archives.

Discussions now often pair that history with questions about how outlets will handle the 2026 tour cycle, keeping the focus on accuracy rather than repetition of old disputes.