Min Hee Jin’s neglect accusations against HYBE, particularly regarding the alleged neglect of NewJeans in favor of LE SSERAFIM, have ignited a firestorm of controversy within the K-Pop community. Fans, deeply invested in the success of NewJeans, have raised valid concerns about the group’s visibility and promotion under the HYBE umbrella. Now, HYBE has issued a statement regarding the issue.
HYBE Issues Statement Addressing NewJeans Neglect Accusations
In response to mounting criticism, HYBE issued an official statement on April 26, 2024, refuting allegations of neglect towards NewJeans. However, fans remain skeptical, especially in light of Min Hee Jin’s claims that she was barred from promoting the group prior to their official debut. This revelation only adds fuel to the controversy surrounding NewJeans’ management and promotion within HYBE.
“The two teams debuted one after another and did not have enough time to sufficiently promote each other, so we decided to set a promotion period for at least a certain period of time,” the statement read. “The request was made to protect all of the team’s news value, and even this period was shortened in the middle to start promoting NewJeans,” it continues.
One glaring issue fans point out is the stark absence of NewJeans’ content on official HYBE platforms. While other groups enjoy exposure on the HYBE Labels YouTube channel, NewJeans’ promotional material remains confined to their own channel. This discrepancy in visibility raises questions about HYBE’s commitment to promoting the group effectively.
Furthermore, fans note the conspicuous absence of Bang Si Hyuk, the visionary founder of HYBE, in NewJeans’ promotional activities. Unlike his visible support for other HYBE artists, Bang Si Hyuk’s apparent disengagement from NewJeans’ debut has not gone unnoticed by fans, fueling speculation about the group’s treatment within the company.
As tensions escalate between fans, industry insiders, and the entertainment giant, the fate of NewJeans hangs in the balance. Whether HYBE can address concerns and reaffirm its commitment to the group’s success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the K-Pop community is watching closely, demanding transparency and accountability from one of the industry’s most influential players.