HYBE released a recent statement in connection with the issue involving Min Hee Jin, who is the CEO of its subsidiary ADOR, which has now become a hot topic among netizens. The issue has broken out due to reports that Min’s trying to take over ADOR’s management from HYBE, which is the parent company. ADOR has been the company that the famous group NewJeans belongs to and was innovatively created by Min after her departure from SM Entertainment. Initially, the allocation was that Min was given a 20% stake in ADOR, and the rest of the 80% still belonged to HYBE. Nevertheless, the accusations are that Min tried to gain more control by, supposedly, a narrow line between acceptable and non-acceptable.
According to reports, HYBE launched an internal investigation after receiving a tip-off about Min’s actions. The inquiry revealed claims that Min had engaged in public opinion manipulation against HYBE and its artists. She also allegedly contacted the parents of NewJeans members, raising concerns about her intentions. These revelations have drawn significant criticism online. Many netizens have called her actions greedy, pointing out that ADOR had already received considerable support from HYBE in terms of resources and exposure during its establishment.
Critics on online forums were actually deep and detailed. Comments ranged from accusing Min of overreaching to demanding legal consequences if the allegations are proven true. Some went as far as suggesting her actions bordered on unethical business practices, with calls for transparency and accountability from both Min and HYBE.
However, HYBE hasn’t emerged unscathed. The company’s aggressive approach to the situation, including its public handling of the allegations, has also come under fire. Observers have noted that HYBE’s reputation has taken a hit, not only due to the controversy itself but also because of how it was managed in the public eye. Many believe that the company’s media strategies have backfired, amplifying the fallout. Financially, HYBE has suffered substantial losses, with its market capitalization reportedly dropping by trillions of Korean won amidst the chaos.
Adding to the complexity, some netizens have defended Min, arguing that her side of the story hasn’t been fully heard. They suggest that the narrative so far has been one-sided, favoring HYBE’s perspective. This has led to calls for more balanced reporting and a clearer understanding of Min’s motivations. Supporters highlight Min’s creative contributions to NewJeans’ success and question whether HYBE’s actions were fueled by internal politics or power struggles.
The fallout from this dispute has broader implications. For HYBE, the controversy underscores the challenges of managing sub-labels and maintaining cohesive leadership. For ADOR, the situation raises questions about its independence and long-term stability. The ongoing debate has also sparked discussions about industry ethics, artist welfare, and the responsibilities of entertainment agencies in fostering healthy work environments.
This saga reflects deeper tensions within the K-pop industry, where creative vision often clashes with corporate interests. As HYBE and ADOR navigate the aftermath, their decisions will likely set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future. For now, the drama continues to unfold, with fans, insiders, and the general public eagerly awaiting further developments.