NewJeans band members stand with ADOR CEO in HYBE dispute
What's the story
In the ongoing dispute between South Korean giant HYBE and ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, all five members of the K-pop girl group NewJeans have reportedly filed a court petition supporting Min. The band members, namely Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein submitted their petition letters to the Seoul Central Court. While the details of the petition remain undisclosed, this marks the first instance where the NewJeans members have publicly supported Min.
Parental backing
NewJeans members follow parents' support for Min
Before this, only the parents of NewJeans members had publicly backed Min against HYBE's CEO Bang Si-hyuk, accusing him of alleged "exploitation" and "mistreatment" toward the band, managed by Min's ADOR. They cited instances of blatant plagiarism and continuous attempts to undermine the group. For those unaware, the conflict began after an audit of ADOR's management conducted last month in April, bringing Min under scrutiny.
Shareholder meeting
HYBE faces potential loss amid NewJeans's support for Min
This development comes as HYBE is at risk of losing voting privileges at ADOR's upcoming shareholder's meeting on May 31. To avoid this, HYBE must present evidence to back its accusations against Min that would justify her dismissal as CEO. In response to NewJeans's petition, a representative from HYBE stated: "Min has no interest in protecting the artists...she is instead using the members as a shield to protect herself."
Hiatus
Meanwhile, is HYBE planning to place NewJeans on hiatus?
The reported collective support for Min emerged a day after news broke that HYBE was planning to place "NewJeans on an indefinite hiatus." According to one of the parents, HYBE intended to give the group a break following their Tokyo Dome concerts in Japan next month. Although the length of the hiatus was not revealed, the representative who spoke with NewJeans mentioned a collaboration with a Grammy-winning music producer, expected to take about a year and a half.
Upcoming projects
NewJeans continues work amid controversies
Despite the ongoing feud and allegations of plagiarism surrounding their latest track Bubble Gum, NewJeans is set to release a new double single titled How Sweet. The group is also expanding its global footing with a debut single release in Japan. Amid these developments, NewJeans has contributed voice introductions for key exhibits at the Korean Gallery at the British Museum and is scheduled to perform at the 2024 Korea On Stage - New Generation event on Tuesday (May 21).