K-netizens are saying that HYBE will basically have a monopoly on the album market if they absorb SM

HYBE has grown to become the biggest entertainment agency in the industry, housing the top idol groups in this generation.

It is not an exaggeration to say that the two top Entertainment labels that dominate various music charts in South Korea are HYBE and SM Entertainment because most of the idol groups that fill the top rankings of album sales are from these two companies. 

Now Korean netizens are foreshadowing that HYBE will monopolize the album market if it absorbs SM Entertainment. This prediction came about after HYBE announced that it is looking to acquire an additional 25% stake in SM Entertainment for 900 million USD, bringing its total stake in SM to 40%.

Netizens commented, "I don't like how HYBE might become a monopoly," "This is going to be the Korean version of the Japanese agency Johnnys," "I think HYBE will absorb all the top K-pop groups," "HYBE is getting so big," "I feel this is wrong, feels frustrating," "I really wonder what Bang Si Hyuk is thinking," "But I really wonder if HYBE will be able to monopolize after taking in SM shares," and "Monopolizing...seriously."