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| https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=589rXU5fE5w |
A bitter clash between HYBE and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-Jin has unfolded over the management of popular girl group NewJeans, involving public disputes, lawsuits, and fan outcry. Here’s a streamlined timeline of the escalating feud:
April 22, 2024: HYBE launches an audit of ADOR and requests Min Hee-Jin’s resignation, citing undisclosed reasons. Rumors suggest Min’s 18% stake in ADOR may be a factor.
April 22-23, 2024: Min accuses HYBE of plagiarism, alleging that the concept for ILLIT, HYBE’s new girl group, mirrors NewJeans. She denies attempts to break away from ADOR or influence outside investors.
April 25, 2024: HYBE reports Min to the police for alleged breach of trust, claiming she sought to take control of ADOR and engage external investors. Min holds a tearful press conference, denying the accusations and reiterating her plagiarism claims.
May 22, 2024: BELIFT LABS, home to ILLIT, sues Min for defamation, accusing her of spreading false claims that ILLIT copied NewJeans’ concept. The case is ongoing.
May 30, 2024: A South Korean court rules that Min can remain CEO of ADOR, dismissing HYBE’s request for her removal. HYBE vows to pursue further legal action.
May 31, 2024: NewJeans’ Minji and Danielle publicly thank Min during a comeback appearance on Music Bank, acknowledging her support despite the ongoing dispute.
June 11, 2024: BELIFT LABS files an additional lawsuit against Min for defamation, focusing on the impact of her claims on their artists and staff.
July 15, 2024: Source Music, home to LE SSERAFIM, files its own lawsuit against Min for defamation and disruption of business, challenging her claims about her role in forming NewJeans.
July 31, 2024: Danielle of NewJeans writes a heartfelt letter to Min, expressing support and gratitude amid the turmoil. Min shares the letter on Instagram.
August 27, 2024: Min resigns as ADOR CEO, rejecting HYBE’s offer to stay on as a producer. NewJeans members express distress over management changes and call for Min’s reinstatement.
September 11, 2024: NewJeans releases a YouTube video where they demand Min’s reinstatement and describe a toxic work environment under HYBE. The video includes claims of mistreatment and mishandled leaks.
The ongoing dispute highlights the high-stakes nature of the K-pop industry and continues to capture public attention.
About HYBE Co., Ltd.
HYBE Co., Ltd. (Korean: 하이브, stylized as HYBE Corporation) is a South Korean multinational entertainment company established in 2005 by Bang Si-hyuk as Big Hit Entertainment Co., Ltd. The company operates as a record label, talent agency, music production company, event management and concert production company, and music publishing house. It has multiple subsidiaries, including Big Hit Music, Belift Lab, Source Music, Pledis Entertainment, KOZ Entertainment, and ADOR, collectively known as Hybe Labels.
Key People:
- Bang Si-hyuk (Chairman)
- Park Ji-won (CEO)
- Scooter Braun (CEO, HYBE America)
- Han Hyun-rock (CEO, HYBE Japan)
Subsidiaries and Labels:
- Big Hit Music: BTS (RM, Agust D, J-Hope, Jin, Jimin, Jungkook, V), Tomorrow X Together
- Belift Lab: Enhypen, ILLIT
- Source Music: LE SSERAFIM
- Pledis Entertainment: Seventeen, BSS (Baekho, Minhyun), Bumzu, Nana, Fromis 9, TWS
- KOZ Entertainment: Zico, BoyNextDoor
- ADOR: NewJeans
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