After last night’s explosive reports about the infighting between HYBE and ADOR, both sides have issued several additional statements today and the industry is now fearing a 2nd Fifty Fifty situation that could eclipse NewJeans’ success!
According to the music industry on the 22nd of April, HYBE conducted an internal investigation into Min Hee Jin, the representative, and another ADOR executive, Mr. A. HYBE explained that Min Hee Jin conspired to illegally separate NewJeans and take over management. Additionally, they sent a letter demanding her resignation.
Min Hee Jin went on the offense and issued a statement on the same day attacking HYBE’s management, accusing them of copying NewJeans’ style and likeness for ILLIT’s debut and involved NewJeans when she said she will use all possible means and methods to protect their cultural achievements and prevent further copyright infringements. What attracted attention was a line in her statement that read: Therefore, after sufficient discussions with NewJeans members and their legal representatives, ADOR has decided to release an official statement.
Due to that line, there are concerns and worries that Min Hee Jin’s claim that ADOR made an official statement after sufficient discussions with NewJeans members and legal representatives is the beginning of another Fifty Fifty situation.
In response, Min Hee Jin stated in an interview with a media outlet on the 23rd of April that she only made an internal report and said, “If money was the purpose, I wouldn’t have made this internal report or raised objections in the first place. HYBE seems to have framed it as a way to acquire management rights. Hasn’t the Fifty Fifty become a precedent? I won’t do such foolish things.”
It was also revealed on April 23 that Park Ji-won, CEO of HYBE, sent an internal announcement email to the employees of ADOR and Belift Lab after the “ADOR incident,” stating that they started the audit to confirm and correct the clear attempt to seize control of the company. He clarified that the responsible parties are not responding properly or refusing to answer the company’s legitimate audit, and that their claims are mostly baseless or without evidence. Not only that, but he claimed that the takeover of ADOR was planned even before ILLITs debut
In particular, CEO Park Ji-won said, “I think no one is more anxious about this incident than me. Please do your best in your work for the comeback and growth of NewJeans, which we have entrusted to you, without feeling uneasy. HYBE places the highest value on protecting artists and members, and I ask for special efforts from everyone involved to ensure that the artists are not shaken by this incident. After considering the necessary system and personnel measures to allow you to work with stability, we will inform you again.”
In the industry, there is low probability that this issue will be resolved in the short term, and attention is focused on whether the conflict can be reconciled.
What are your thoughts on this?
