Recently, a conflict emerged between HYBE and its subsidiary ADOR led by Min Hee-jin over issues related to management rights and female group NewJeans. In response to Min Hee-jin’s press conference, HYBE released a lengthy statement refuting her claims. ADOR also issued a statement today rebutting HYBE’s accusations that Min Hee-jin was attempting to seize control and make decisions based on the opinions of a “wizard.”
ADOR expressed regret in its statement that during the crucial period of NewJeans’ album release, they had to address non-artist related matters publicly and emphasized that they had instructed the media multiple times to refrain from spreading issues unrelated to the artists to avoid harming NewJeans’ efforts. Despite HYBE initially stating they would not refute the contents of Min Hee-jin’s press conference, they went on to do so through the media within a day, leaving ADOR disappointed.
In response to accusations that Min Hee-jin was trying to take over management rights, ADOR clarified that the evidence presented by HYBE was based on speculative “imagination” during a period of ongoing conflicts with no concrete plans related to actual operations.
The statement also mentioned HYBE’s pressuring tactics during an inspection operation, where they allegedly coerced ADOR’s deputy representative and maliciously edited private Kakao Talk conversations between Min Hee-jin and the deputy representative to use in media reports.
Regarding allegations of unequal compensation, while HYBE claimed Min Hee-jin had the highest salary and denied mistreatment, ADOR countered stating that the issue was not the salary amount per se but the lack of transparency in decision-making standards and processes, with HYBE allegedly using Min Hee-jin’s salary, bonuses, and stock rewards to mask the real issue.
Moreover, ADOR pointed out that HYBE’s inspection action on the eve of NewJeans’ comeback hindered Min Hee-jin and ADOR’s staff’s work and accused HYBE of conducting an aggressive media campaign on what should have been an internal confidential investigation.
Regarding promises made by HYBE for NewJeans to debut as their first girl group, ADOR claimed that HYBE failed to adhere to the agreement, instead introducing new groups like LESSERAFIM before NewJeans as their first girl group, distorting facts and misleading the public.
ADOR also raised concerns about HYBE’s alleged attempts to discredit them through baseless contracts and allegations related to shareholder agreements, as well as the involvement of a “wizard” in decision-making processes.
In addressing the friendship between Min Hee-jin and the “wizard,” ADOR emphasized that NewJeans’ success and ADOR’s achievements were based on sound business decisions rather than external influences, and criticized HYBE for attempting to downplay their success.
In conclusion, ADOR affirmed its unwavering support for NewJeans and urged HYBE to cease their negative publicity campaigns and instead focus on assisting ADOR in creative endeavors and protecting intellectual property rights for the benefit of shareholders.