The K-pop world is buzzing once again as the relationship between NewJeans and their parent company, HYBE, faces heightened scrutiny. Allegedly, a recent controversy has emerged involving HYBE's handling of NewJeans’ performance in Japan, along with accusations of gaslighting and power struggles within the company.
_2025_SS_%EC%84%9C%EC%9A%B8%ED%8C%A8%EC%85%98%EC%9C%84%ED%81%AC_%ED%8F%AC%ED%86%A0%EC%BD%9C_NewJeans_Seoul_Fashion_Week.jpg)
CC BY 3.0The Allegations
_2025_SS_%EC%84%9C%EC%9A%B8%ED%8C%A8%EC%85%98%EC%9C%84%ED%81%AC_%ED%8F%AC%ED%86%A0%EC%BD%9C_NewJeans_Seoul_Fashion_Week.jpg)
The drama began when Jang Hyung-woo, a reporter from the Seoul Shinmun, appeared on CBS Radio’s Kim Hyun-jung's News Show on September 25th, where he revealed a conversation he had with a HYBE PR representative. During this conversation, the PR rep allegedly downplayed NewJeans’ album sales in Japan following their Tokyo Concert in June, stating that their local sales were not as strong as portrayed.
What sparked even more backlash was the claim that the PR representative hinted that the NewJeans members were being manipulated or “gaslighted” by former Adore CEO Min Hee-jin, who had been a pivotal figure in the group’s rise. Adding fuel to the fire, Jang alleged that HYBE offered him “golf entertainment” as a way to sway his perspective.
HYBE Responds
In response, HYBE quickly took to their official website to refute the allegations. They explained that the comment about NewJeans’ sales figures was taken out of context. According to HYBE, while 1.02 million albums had been sold globally, only around 50,000 were sold in Japan, with the remaining numbers coming from domestic sales. The company emphasized that they had requested a correction to ensure that accurate information was presented, especially given the potential impact on the market and investors.
As for the claims of “gaslighting” and efforts to manipulate the media through entertainment, HYBE offered a different interpretation. The company stated that the term “gaslighting” came up during a discussion about power dynamics within the entertainment industry and was not meant to belittle the NewJeans members or their relationship with Min Hee-jin.
HYBE's official response via their official website 👇
A Bigger Power Struggle
This controversy comes on the heels of a significant leadership shakeup within Adore, the label managing NewJeans. Last month, former CEO Min Hee-jin was dismissed from her role following allegations of a management rights dispute. In response, NewJeans members publicly voiced their dissatisfaction with the decision, demanding Min’s reinstatement and stating that she was integral to their identity as a group.
What’s Next?
HYBE’s newly appointed CEO, Lee Jae-sang, responded to the group’s request, stating that he will act “according to principles.” However, it remains unclear how this unfolding situation will affect both NewJeans’ future and the leadership within Adore.
As tensions escalate, fans are left watching closely, wondering how these internal conflicts will impact the group’s growth and whether the industry’s larger power structures are at play behind the scenes.
With NewJeans at the peak of their career and HYBE one of the biggest players in K-pop, this controversy highlights how even the most successful partnerships can encounter turmoil. Both fans and the industry are eager to see how this drama will unfold.
Follow KpopEcho.com for More Updates!
Stay connected with us for the latest K-pop news, updates, and exclusive content.
Catch the latest K-pop news on KpopEcho.com! From comebacks and chart-toppers to exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes, we cover everything you need to know about your favorite idols and groups.