Sayart.net - Feud Between Hybe and Ador CEO Impacts K-Pop Group NewJeans

Dispute Centers on Allegations of Plagiarism and Management Conflicts

Courtesy of Ador

NewJeans, a popular K-pop girl group under Hybe's music subsidiary Ador, is caught in the midst of a conflict between Hybe and Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, industry sources reported on Monday.

The dispute began when Min Hee-jin emailed Hybe executives on April 3, alleging that Illit, a new girl group under another Hybe subsidiary, Belift Lab, had plagiarized NewJeans' style and concept. Hybe denied these claims and accused Min of seeking to take over management rights at Ador. The company asserted that Min had requested the right to terminate NewJeans' exclusive contract with Ador during a meeting with Hybe CEO Park Ji-won in January.

Min held a press conference on April 25 to counter Hybe's allegations, arguing that Hybe has been neglecting NewJeans despite the group's successful debut. She claimed support from the members' parents during this address.
 

▲ NewJeans / Courtesy of Ador

As the conflict continues, it is affecting NewJeans, who are currently promoting their new EP, "How Sweet," with a scheduled comeback on Friday. Music critic Kim Do-heon noted that the group appears to be under significant stress due to the ongoing dispute.

The situation may persist until May 31, when an extraordinary shareholders' meeting will be held to vote on dismissing Min from her position as Ador CEO.

Hybe CEO Park Ji-won has pledged support for NewJeans but indicated that it could take at least a year and a half to involve a prominent US music producer, suggesting a potential extended hiatus for the group. Music critic Lim Hee-yun remarked that significant changes in the group's style might affect their unique appeal.

In a statement released Sunday, Hybe requested that Min refrain from using the names of Ador or its artists to justify her actions.

Sayart

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