NewJeans Fans Protest Against ADOR CEO Amid Conflict with HYBE

Fans of the K-pop girl group NewJeans staged a protest outside the building of HYBE in Seoul on April 24, 2024, deploying a 'protest truck' to voice their grievances against Min Hee-jin, the CEO of HYBE's sub-label ADOR. The fans, who call themselves 'Bunnies,' demanded that Min should no longer use NewJeans and its family, and urged her to stop disparaging other artists.

The protest comes amid an ongoing conflict between Min and HYBE, with Min claiming that ILLIT, a new girl group launched by another HYBE sub-label, copied NewJeans. HYBE has launched an audit into Min and her aides over their alleged attempt to seize management control of their company, which Min has denied.

The conflict began after HYBE reportedly received reports that Min had tried to make ADOR independent, leading to a shareholders meeting. Min accused HYBE's new group ILLIT under Belift Lab of copying NewJeans in various aspects, including hair, makeup, costumes, choreography, photos, videos, and event appearances. HYBE owns 80% of ADOR, while Min holds the remaining 20%.

Why this matters: The ongoing dispute between HYBE and ADOR not only affects the management and future of NewJeans but also highlights the challenges faced by K-pop agencies in managing multiple sub-labels and groups. The outcome of this conflict could have significant implications for the industry as a whole.

Despite the ongoing conflict, HYBE has assured that NewJeans will make a comeback as per schedule on May 24 and June 21, 2024, with the release of the single 'How Sweet' and the Bubble Gum music video on April 27. As the situation unfolds, fans remain divided, with some targeting Min Hee-jin and others defending her. "Bunnies belong to HYBE. We support NewJeans," read one of the messages displayed on the protest truck, reflecting the sentiments of the protesting fans.

Key Takeaways

• NewJeans fans protested outside HYBE over CEO Min Hee-jin's alleged mistreatment of the group.
• Min accused HYBE's new group ILLIT of copying NewJeans, leading to an ongoing conflict.
• HYBE owns 80% of ADOR, where Min holds the remaining 20%, fueling the dispute.
• Despite the conflict, HYBE assured NewJeans will make a comeback as scheduled in 2024.
• Fans remain divided, with some supporting Min and others defending HYBE's management of NewJeans.