K-pop giant Hybe announced on September 2024 that the company had acquired a U.S.-based public relations agency to enhance its American unit's PR capabilities. According to Hybe’s semi-annual report, The Agency Group PR LLC, a non-listed company based in Santa Monica, California, has been added to its list of consolidated subsidiaries through an equity acquisition. The Agency Group PR, whose primary business is public relations, is now a subsidiary of Hybe America, with Hybe holding a 51 percent stake.

“We acquired the PR agency early this year as part of our efforts to strengthen the public relations resources of Hybe America,” a Hybe official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

However, the acquisition has raised concerns among fans and online communities due to the PR firm’s involvement in the infamous libel case between Hollywood actor Johnny Depp and Amber Heard in 2022. Depp won $15 million in damages after suing Heard over a 2018 op-ed. Despite his court victory, public opinion shifted against him, with accusations of a campaign to harm Heard’s image.

TAG PR has listed Melissa Nathan as one of its two managers and the president of the LLC. She was Depp’s PR representative during the Depp vs. Heard case. Recently, she was in the headlines when actor Justin Baldoni hired her to manage a PR crisis amid rumors of a rift with his “It Ends With Us” co-star, Blake Lively. Baldoni was accused of creating an unpleasant environment on the set of his latest release. Some of Nathan’s other controversial clients include Drake and YouTuber Logan Paul.

Sayart / Amia Nguyen, amyngwyen13@gmail.com