Fans of NewJeans and Illit, beware: you might soon turn against each other after a bombshell interview with ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, who accused HYBE and Belift Lab of copying NewJeans’ concept such as hair and makeup styles, outfits, choreographies and whatnot.
It then became a feud has shocked the K-pop industry and dragged many famous names in such as K-pop groups RIIZE and TWS.
Here’s what happened.
The Audit
After CEO Min Hee Jin’s claims, it was then reported that the ADOR CEO allegedly attempted a coup d’etat in an attempt to separate from HYBE.
HYBE, the company behind BTS, is the parent company of ADOR.
This resulted in HYBE initiating an audit on ADOR’s management and calling for CEO Min Hee Jin’s resignation.
The audit accused the ADOR CEO and her executives of attempting to seize full control of ADOR by instigating HYBE to sell off its shares in ADOR.
The audit also alleged that ADOR executives leaked confidential contracts to attract investors and accused ADOR’s vice-president who used to work at HYBE, of leaking HYBE’s insider information to ADOR.
Additionally, accusations that private artist’s information such as photo and media of trainees before debut was leaked by ADOR were also leveled at CEO Min Hee Jin.
CEO Min Hee Jin has refuted these allegations and said in a statement to Korean entertainment paper, Ilgan Sports, “I have never met with any investors to seize HYBE’s management rights (in ADOR).
“I have never tried to steal executive rights like HYBE claims. How can I do that with my 18% equity? Because HYBE has 80% equity, it is impossible for me to seize the management right. It is also impossible for ADOR to leave HYBE without their consent.”
She stated that this audit and subsequent actions by HYBE started with her internal complaint against HYBE and Belift Lab of copying NewsJeans’ concept for Illit, a five-member female k-pop group that just debuted on 25 March.
Their debut song, Magnetic quickly became the first K-pop debut song to chart on Billboard’s Hot 100.
HYBE CEO Park Ji Won’s Response to Staff
Amidst this drama, many employees and artists are rightfully concerned. (Get your popcorn ready…)
HYBE CEO Park Ji Won addressed employees, reassuring them of HYBE’s commitment to resolving the feud and encouraged staff to continue working hard.
He said, “I must ask you as our staff to work hard at your job without being affected by this. The company will do its best in order not to let the IP value and work that you have worked on so far be slandered.”
He released similar statements to ADOR and Belife Lab staff as well, thanking the staff for their hard work thus far and to encourage them to continue their diligent work.
NewJeans’ Comeback
On 24 April, HYBE has reassured fans that NewJeans’ comeback slated for May will continue as per normal and that the group’s schedule remains on track regardless of the internal disagreements between ADOR and HYBE.
NewJeans is set to release a double single in May, followed by a second one in June and debut in Japan with a major fan meeting set at Tokyo Dome. The Japan debut is set to pave the way for a world tour in 2025.
ADOR representatives also echoed HYBE’s statement and confirmed that the company is focused on ensuring the success of future NewJeans’s music releases.
As to what will happen next, you’d have to wait for updates, much like having to wait for the next K-drama episode.
Here’s a simplified summary of the South Korea martial law that even a 5-year-old would understand:
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