Music Industry Reactions Mixed as Group Set to Collaborate with Grammy-Winning Producer

Courtesy of Hybe

Hybe, the parent company of Ador, has announced that the popular K-pop girl group NewJeans will take an extended break following their Tokyo Dome concerts in Japan next month. This decision, communicated by Hybe CEO Park Ji-won to the parents of NewJeans members, has drawn mixed reactions from the music industry.

On April 25, three parents of NewJeans members met with Park. The same day, Ador CEO Min Hee-jin held a press conference to address an alleged attempt to take over the management rights of the band from Hybe, according to local media reports.

Park informed the parents that Hybe plans to give the group a long break after their June 26 and 27 Tokyo Dome concerts. The duration of the break was not disclosed, but Park mentioned that the casting of a Grammy-winning music producer to work with NewJeans could take up to one year and six months.
 

▲ Hybe CEO Park Ji-won / Courtesy of Hybe

Music critics have expressed concerns about the potential impact of this break on NewJeans' career. Lim Hee-yun, a music critic, noted that the current trend in the K-pop industry involves frequent releases and continuous fan engagement, making even a short break significant. Since their debut in July 2022, NewJeans has released two extended plays, one single album, ten singles, and five promotional singles.

Another music critic, Lee Do-heon, expressed skepticism about the announced break, suggesting that it could cause worry among the members and their parents. Lee also mentioned rumors about Hybe possibly changing the group's creative direction by reducing Min's influence. 

▲ NewJeans / Courtesy of AdorHybe clarified that Park's remarks were not indicative of a halt in NewJeans' musical activities but were intended to support and care for the group. The company emphasized that mentioning a Grammy-winning producer indicated ongoing plans for the group's musical development.

Lim Hee-yun also raised concerns about collaborating with a Grammy-winning producer, arguing that it could alter NewJeans' distinctive musical style, which has been shaped by collaborations with local and international indie musicians.

Hybe’s decision to offer NewJeans an extended break and the potential collaboration with a Grammy-winning producer continues to generate discussion within the music industry as fans and critics await further developments.

Sayart 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com