Tensions and discord between Bang Si Hyuk, often referred to as the father of BTS, and Min Hee Jin, a.k.a the mother of NewJeans, are escalating, causing a split among international K-pop fans. The industry is watching closely as this situation could ruin K-pop’s reputation.
On the 22nd, news broke that HYBE had invoked its right to audit Min Hee Jin and ADOR’s management. The move comes after HYBE detected attempts by Min Hee Jin and others at ADOR to break away from the parent company. In response, HYBE’s audit team has begun recovering ADOR’s digital assets and securing statements. HYBE briefly confirmed, “The right to audit has been invoked.”
In response, Min Hee Jin declared the incident the “NewJeans copy case by ILLIT.” It voiced her frustration, stating, “I received a notice of dismissal procedures after raising the issue.” She also claimed, “At the same time, there are ridiculous media plays attempting to portray me as attempting to seize control.”
Min criticized Bang Si Hyuk and ILLIT, stating, “HYBE is severely infringing upon the cultural achievements of NewJeans. ILLIT is copying NewJeans in every aspect, from hair and makeup to costumes, choreography, photos, videos, and event appearances.” She drew attention by referring to them as imitations.
International K-pop fans are divided over Bang and Min’s claims. Bang enjoys significant trust from overseas fans, and Min is widely recognized among NewJeans fans. The revelation that these two figures, who were grouped under HYBE, are now adversaries has also caused a rift among K-pop fans.
Foreign media are also paying attention. UK music magazine NME reported on the conflict between HYBE and Min Hee Jin, stating, “HYBE and Min Hee Jin are in a power struggle over the label ADOR.” Other Asian entertainment media outlets have also prominently featured this news, showing their interest.
ADOR, a label under HYBE that Min Hee Jin founded in 2021, is 80% owned by HYBE, with the remaining 20% held by Min and other ADOR executives.
After earning recognition for successfully managing the concepts and branding of popular idol groups like f(x) and SHINee at SM Entertainment, Min moved to HYBE and established ADOR. In 2022, she launched NewJeans and successively hit it big with “Hype Boy,” “Attention,” “Ditto,” and “OMG.”
As Min disputes HYBE’s stance and tensions escalate between the two parties, HYBE is contemplating legal action once the analysis of the digital assets and associated materials retrieved from ADOR’s management is completed.
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