Tag: HYBE

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Min Hee Jin Announces Resignation as ADOR Internal Director

Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin has officially announced her decision to leave HYBE. In her announcement of her resignation as ADOR internal director, Min expressed her disappointment in the controversial company.

Min Hee Jin Confirms ADOR Internal Director Resignation

On November 20, Min Hee Jin released a detailed statement confirming her resignation from her role as an internal director at ADOR, the HYBE sub-label she helped establish.

“HYBE’s actions in 2024 will be recorded as an unprecedented incident in K-pop history.

Over the past seven months, I have poured all my mental, economic, and physical resources into reviving ADOR, which was devastated by HYBE’s severe breaches of the shareholder agreement.

It was a hellish battle against the baseless violence of a group disguised as a large corporation, but I did not back down and made every effort.”

Her statement marked the end of her impactful tenure with HYBE, during which she played a pivotal role in shaping the label’s success, particularly with the rise of NewJeans.

In response, ADOR issued an official statement.

“We would like to convey ADOR’s position regarding Director Min Hee Jin’s resignation,” the statement read. “ADOR feels regrettable about the unilateral resignation notice from Director Min Hee Jin. Our company will do our utmost to support NewJeans so that they can continue to grow and develop further. Thank you.”

Earlier in August, ADOR announced that Min Hee Jin would step down as CEO, though she would continue to oversee the creative and production aspects of NewJeans, the highly successful girl group she was instrumental in launching. Despite this shift, Min Hee Jin’s departure from the CEO position sparked concern among fans and NewJeans members, who openly expressed their unwavering support for her.

On September 11, NewJeans held a live YouTube broadcast in which they issued a bold statement, urging HYBE to reinstate Min Hee Jin as CEO by September 25. The members emphasized her indispensable role in their artistic direction and career development.

Two days later, Min Hee Jin filed an injunction to be reinstated as both CEO and internal director of ADOR. However, her decision to leave HYBE indicates that these efforts did not materialize into a resolution. Fans now await updates on Min Hee Jin’s next steps and her potential plans outside of HYBE.

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ZICO Addresses Controversial HYBE Document

Zico recently addressed the controversy surrounding his alleged access to HYBE’s “music industry report.” The KOZ Entertainment CEO spoke up after allegedly being sent copies of the controversial HYBE document.

Zico Denies Having Access to Controversial HYBE Document

In an Instagram Story posted to his account, Zico wrote, “I have never seen the document in question, nor have I ever opened the email itself.”

“I only found out that I was added as a recipient through today’s report,” he added. “To prevent any further misunderstandings, I directly requested KOZ to verify that I have not opened any of the emails or documents, and they confirmed this.”

How Did Zico Get Involved?

The issue came to light during a National Assembly audit on October 24, where it was revealed that HYBE executives had circulated an 18,000-page document containing disparaging remarks, unverified rumors, and details on planned viral marketing tactics targeting artists from rival agencies such as SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment. About 20 pages of the report were leaked online, igniting public backlash and an apology from HYBE CEO Lee Jae Sang on October 29.

On October 30, the controversy deepened when media outlet Hankyoreh published details implicating HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk. According to email records obtained by Hankyoreh, Bang Si Hyuk had personally requested that Zico be added as a recipient of the weekly report.

The emails indicate that on January 6, 2022, Bang directed the report’s author, Kang Myung Seok, former head of Weverse Magazine, to ensure Zico received the document. The report’s recipient list already included HYBE’s top executives and C-level leaders at subsidiary labels, including Kim Joo Young, who was then the Chief Human Resources Officer and is currently CEO of ADOR.

As the CEO of KOZ Entertainment, which operates under HYBE, Zico was thus reportedly included among those receiving the “music industry report.” However, Zico has clarified that although he was added to the distribution list, he did not actively participate in reviewing or endorsing the content. In his statement, he emphasized that he was not involved in compiling or approving any comments within the report and stated his disappointment over the report’s content, highlighting the importance of integrity and mutual respect in the industry.

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SEVENTEEN Seungkwan Addresses Recent HYBE Controversy

Seungkwan is making himself heard. The SEVENTEEN member has posted a lengthy message on social media, and it appears to be connected to the recent HYBE controversy.

SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan Speaks Out About Recent HYBE Controversy

On October 29, Seungkwan took to his personal Instagram to address the recent controversy involving HYBE’s leaked internal “music industry report.” The SEVENTEEN member expressed his dismay and empathy toward those impacted, speaking candidly about the situation and the effect it’s had on the industry.

He emphasized the importance of respect and unity within K-pop, especially for those who invest time and passion into their art, regardless of which agency they belong to. Seungkwan’s statement resonates with many fans and fellow artists who are calling for change, as his public acknowledgment highlights the need for accountability.

“You don’t have the right to easily intrude on our narrative,” Seungkwan wrote. “Not just us, but other artists as well, we are not your items. I hope you don’t think you can use and enjoy us as you please.”

“All our physical energy is drained even just from one week of music show promotions,” he added. “Despite also handling advertisements, events, performances, and other scheduled activities meanwhile, there are many colleagues these days who greet me warmly with a smile even more than I do. Whenever that happens, I smile and greet them back. This is all I can do for them.”

What is Happening with HYBE?

The document, discovered during the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee audit on October 24, revealed troubling content, including disparaging remarks about artists from rival companies like SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment. With about 20 pages of this 18,000-page report leaked online, the document’s unverified rumors, critiques on appearances and abilities, and strategic discussions on viral marketing tactics against competing artists have also sparked widespread outrage.

By speaking up, Seungkwan has underscored SEVENTEEN’s commitment to a supportive, respectful industry environment and demonstrated solidarity with artists across agencies affected by the leaked report. Fans continue to rally behind him, urging greater transparency and ethical practices from major agencies.

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HYBE Issues Statement on Controversial Internal Document About K-Pop Artists

HYBE has addressed the public regarding the recent controversy surrounding a leaked internal “music industry report.” The company’s new CEO Lee Jae Sang issued a lengthy statement about the controversial internal document.

HYBE CEO Addresses Controversial Internal Document

On October 29, Lee Jae Sang addressed the shocking document containing several malicious comments about K-pop artists from other companies. In his statement, Lee Jae Sang expressed deep regret over the situation, emphasizing HYBE’s commitment to maintaining professional standards in the industry. He acknowledged the content’s inappropriateness and vowed to take internal measures to ensure such an incident does not recur, aiming to restore trust with both artists and fans.

“This document was created as part of a process to retrospectively gather various reactions and public opinions on industry trends and issues. Although it was intended to be shared only with a limited number of leaders to understand market and fan sentiments, the content was highly inappropriate. The document contained provocative and explicit expressions directed at K-pop artists, included personal opinions and evaluations of the author, and was preserved in written form.

“As the representative of the company, I acknowledge all the mistakes and take full responsibility. I am particularly sorry and distressed about the unfounded suspicions of reverse viral marketing that are not true at all, causing misunderstandings and harm to innocent artists and individuals.

“I formally and respectfully apologize to the external artists mentioned in the document who have suffered damage and distress. We are also reaching out to each agency individually to offer our apologies directly. Additionally, I am also sincerely extending an official apology to all the artists of HYBE Music Group who have been subjected to criticism due to the company.”

“I acknowledge the lack of awareness among the leadership who received the document and, as CEO, I have immediately halted the creation of such monitoring documents. I promise to establish guidelines and strengthen internal controls to prevent such issues from occurring again,” he added.

What’s in the Shocking Document?

During the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee audit on October 24, it came to light that HYBE had been circulating a weekly document containing sensitive and allegedly malicious commentary about artists from rival agencies such as SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and others. This document, totaling approximately 18,000 pages, reportedly contained disparaging remarks about other artists’ appearances and skills, unverified rumors, and discussions on potential viral marketing strategies aimed at undermining competitors.

Approximately 20 pages of this document have been fully leaked online, leading to significant public outcry. It didn’t take long before netizens began speaking up about the shocking content. Even other idols addressed the criticism in the document.

Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan voiced his own response on Instagram, showing solidarity with those affected and condemning the reports. Fans and the public continue to demand accountability, urging for transparency and change in the industry’s internal practices.

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Min Hee Jin Continues to Push for Reappointment as ADOR CEO

Min Hee Jin has issued a statement in response to ADOR’s latest announcement regarding her position within the company. Min’s latest statement continues to push for her reappointment as the company’s CEO.

Min Hee Jin Pushes for Reappointment as ADOR CEO

On September 25, Min’s legal representation issued the statement.

“Min Hee Jin is wary that extending her term under a flawed contract would not guarantee the normal activities of NewJeans as artists. Therefore, she has clearly expressed her intention to return as CEO and has requested a concrete contract from HYBE that reflects their sincerity. She feels great anger at the repeated media play before any negotiations, with no agreed-upon details regarding the parties involved, the duration, or the authority,” the statement read.

This comes after ADOR revealed they would be holding an extraordinary general meeting to discuss Min’s reappointment as an internal director.

On the morning of September 25, reporter Jang Hyung Woo discussed a phone call with a HYBE PR representative during a radio news interview. The reporter alleged that the representative downplayed the achievements of NewJeans, the successful girl group produced by Min Hee Jin under ADOR. HYBE quickly refuted these claims, issuing a statement denying the remarks attributed to their PR team, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing situation.

This follows the significant developments in August when ADOR announced that Min Hee Jin would no longer serve as CEO, though she would remain as an internal director responsible for producing NewJeans’ content. In response, on September 11, all five members of NewJeans held a live YouTube broadcast, where they issued an ultimatum to HYBE, demanding the reinstatement of Min Hee Jin as CEO by September 25. On September 13, Min Hee Jin filed an injunction seeking her reappointment as both inside director and CEO of ADOR, escalating the situation.

Fans are watching closely as this story unfolds, awaiting further developments.

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HYBE Addresses Min Hee Jin Injunction Request for Reinstatement

It looks like Min Hee Jin is keen to continue as the CEO of ADOR. Now, HYBE has responded to her injunction request for reinstatement to her former position.

HYBE Responds to Min Hee Jin Injunction Request

On September 13, HYBE issued an official statement in response to former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin’s legal filing for an injunction, in which she seeks reappointment as both CEO and inside director of the company. This move follows her dismissal from the CEO role, a decision made by ADOR’s board of directors on August 27. Min Hee Jin’s filing has intensified the situation, bringing attention to the underlying legal and managerial disputes between HYBE, ADOR, and Min Hee Jin.

HYBE clarified its stance by explaining that the shareholder agreement between HYBE and Min Hee Jin, which initially governed her role as CEO, had already been terminated. The agency emphasized that, “Once the agreement is terminated, its legal effect is void.” HYBE further disclosed that a lawsuit had already been filed to confirm the termination of this shareholder agreement, and they are currently awaiting the court’s decision on the matter.

In addition to the legal clarification, HYBE asserted that Min Hee Jin’s dismissal as CEO was the result of a decision made independently by ADOR’s board of directors. The agency emphasized that the decision had no connection to HYBE or the previously terminated shareholder agreement. The agency noted that ADOR’s board of directors acted solely out of business management considerations, not influenced by external factors.

HYBE expressed disappointment over Min Hee Jin’s recent actions, stating, “We regret that Min Hee Jin, who has long emphasized the importance of ADOR’s independent management as a separate entity, is not respecting ADOR’s board of directors’ decision.” This statement reflects HYBE’s stance that Min Hee Jin, who previously championed the autonomy and distinct identity of ADOR, is now opposing the very independent decision-making processes she once advocated.

NewJeans Fights for Min Hee Jin

Earlier on the same day, Min Hee Jin’s legal team filed an injunction to challenge her dismissal. Her team argues that the shareholder agreement, which guaranteed her a five-year term as CEO and inside director, is still legally valid and has not been lawfully terminated. They claim that the dismissal was a violation of this agreement and are seeking legal recourse to have Min Hee Jin reinstated in both roles.

The controversy surrounding Min Hee Jin’s departure escalated when ADOR first announced on August 27 that she would no longer serve as CEO. However, it was noted at the time that Min Hee Jin would continue her involvement with NewJeans by producing their content as an internal director at ADOR. Despite this, the shift in leadership has caused tension, particularly with fans and the members of NewJeans.

In a surprising turn, the five members of NewJeans held a live broadcast on YouTube on September 11, where they expressed their dissatisfaction with Min Hee Jin’s removal as CEO. The group firmly requested that she be reinstated by September 25, underscoring her importance to their artistic and professional development.

As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes are on how the court will rule on the shareholder agreement and whether Min Hee Jin will regain her former leadership role within ADOR. The situation has not only legal implications but could also impact the creative direction of NewJeans and the future of ADOR’s independent management.

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Weverse, YG Plus, SM, and JYP Refund Violation Accusations

The Korea Fair Trade Commission sanctions major K-pop companies for illegal refund practices

The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has taken action against several major companies in the K-pop industry. This includes Weverse Company, YG Plus, SM Brand Marketing, and JYP 360. These companies, which handle the online sales of idol merchandise, faced sanctions for illegal refund practices that unfairly targeted consumers, particularly teenagers.

The KFTC discovered that these companies have been shortening the legally mandated refund period. Under current e-commerce law, customers are entitled to withdraw from a purchase within three months or within 30 days of discovering a defect. However, Weverse Company and others informed customers that even defective products could only be refunded within seven days. Additionally, they imposed unreasonable restrictions, such as requiring video evidence of the unboxing process to qualify for refunds.

This behavior, known in Korea as “gapjil” (abuse of power), effectively shifted the burden of proof onto the consumers, violating e-commerce laws. These practices not only limited customers’ rights but also exploited the loyalty of teenage fans, who are less aware of their legal protections.

   

The idol merchandise shops of the four biggest K-Pop agencies, Weverse, YG Plus, JYP 360, and SM Brand Marketing, have been sanctioned by Korea’s Fair Trade Commission. Photos via Wikimedia Commons.

In response, the KFTC issued corrective orders and imposed fines totalling 10.5 million KRW (approximately 7,740 USD) on the companies involved. Weverse Company was fined approximately 3 million KRW (2,210 USD), while YG Plus, SM Brand Marketing, and JYP 360 each received fines of 2.5 million KRW (1,840 USD). The fines were reduced as the companies voluntarily corrected their practices following the investigation.

A KFTC representative emphasized protecting teenage consumers in the entertainment industry and stated that the commission would continue to monitor for similar violations. They warned that stricter penalties, including business suspensions, could follow if such practices persist.

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HYBE and Other Three Big Agencies’ Online Stores Fined By Fair Trade Commission

The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) fined South Korea’s four largest K-pop entertainment companies—HYBE, SM, YG, and JYP—for violating e-commerce consumer protection laws. On August 11 KST, the FTC imposed a total fine of 10.5 million KRW (approximately $7,700 USD) on these agencies and issued corrective orders to ensure they comply with the ‘Electronic Commerce Act’.

The FTC penalizes the Big 4 K-pop agencies for violating consumer protection laws in their online stores

Fair Trade Commission found that these companies set excessively strict and unfair conditions for refunds on idol-related merchandise, including albums and official goods. The FTC highlighted practices like shortening the legally mandated refund period and requiring unreasonable documentation, such as filming product unboxings to qualify for refunds when items were missing.

Weverse Company, associated with HYBE, received a fine of 3 million KRW. SM Brand Marketing (SM), YG Plus (YG), and JYP Three Sixty (JYP) were each fined 2.5 million KRW.

Among the violations, SM’s policy required customers to return products due to a change of mind within seven business days of delivery, which goes against the law, allowing customers seven days from the receipt date to decide on a return. SM and JYP also broke the law by demanding that customers submit claims for defective or incorrect items within seven days of delivery, while the law permits returns within three months from receipt or 30 days from discovering the defect.

The companies also denied compensation for lost items after a specified period, restricted returns if packaging was opened or damaged, and demanded video proof of unboxing for claims of missing items. These actions placed an undue burden on consumers, violating legal protections that should favor the buyer.

Korea’s Big 4 K-Pop Agencies face fines ordered by the Fair Trade Commission. The 4 agencies have revised policed to comply with FTC’s terms. Photos via Wikimedia Commons.

Moreover, in response to the FTC’s findings, all four companies corrected their policies voluntarily, which led to reduced fines. However, the FTC’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of fair consumer practices in the e-commerce space, especially within the influential K-pop industry.

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Fair Trade Commission to Investigate HYBE Further

The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) will further investigate HYBE despite the company’s claim that the omission of designated data was unintentional. This follows a correction report filed by HYBE, which described the omission as a “simple mistake.” The FTC’s investigation, if it uncovers intentionality and significant omission of data, could lead to criminal charges against HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk.

The probe continues despite HYBE’s claims of a “simple omission” in data disclosure

On July 2, HYBE filed a correction report with the Financial Supervisory Service’s Electronic Disclosure System (DART). The report addressed the status of overseas affiliates in which the CEO’s family holds shares, citing a “simple omission.” HYBE disclosed ‘BEL AIR STRADELLA, LLC,’ a U.S. real estate company owned entirely by Bang Si-hyuk. Reports indicate that Bang Si-hyuk purchased a luxury mansion worth approximately 36.5 billion won (26.4 million dollars) through this company.

HYBE explained, “With the designation of large corporate groups subject to disclosure, the corporation also has an obligation to disclose. In practice, there was a simple omission, so we made a corrective disclosure.”

The FTC conducted an on-site investigation into HYBE on June 24, suspecting data omission for large corporations. Despite HYBE’s voluntary correction, the FTC plans to continue its investigation. An FTC official stated, “We plan to continuously uncover whether this was a simple omission, as HYBE claims, or a deliberate concealment.”

If the investigation reveals that HYBE omitted additional affiliates, excluding their assets from calculations, it could mean avoidance of corporate group designation and engagement in unfair practices. Significant omissions could result in punishment.

HYBE’s voluntary correction came over two months late, beyond the 10-day window for such actions. A retroactive application is unlikely, as the enforcement decree takes effect on the 7th of next month. According to the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act, large corporate groups can face criminal charges for omissions or errors in data related to disclosure obligations. The FTC will review the missing data and HYBE’s explanations in their ongoing investigation.

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ADOR Address CEO Min Hee Jin Covering Up Workplace Sexual Harassment Allegations

ADOR has responded to allegations that CEO Min Hee Jin covered up a workplace sexual harassment incident. These accusations emerged after leaked KakaoTalk messages became public. On July 29, a legal representative from Shin & Kim Law Firm, speaking on behalf of ADOR, directly addressed the situation, emphasizing that the case had already been resolved.

The company defends Min Hee Jin against claims of covering up a harassment case, citing a previous no-charges decision

The representative stated, “The HYBE HR Committee concluded the sexual harassment case with a ‘no charges’ decision on March 16. Since HYBE directly manages legal, HR, and PR matters through a shared service system, we find it perplexing that this issue is being revisited. This sudden reinterpretation to attack CEO Min Hee Jin is unfair.”

The controversy involves an employee who accused an executive of workplace harassment in March. On July 25, the online media outlet Dispatch reported that Min Hee Jin allegedly defended the executive or encouraged counterclaims against the employee, identified as “B.” However, ADOR and their legal team have denied these claims, asserting that she acted impartially and worked to mediate the conflict.

Shin & Kim also clarified that a gathering involving the employee took place after February 1 to help them adjust to the job. They emphasized that the meeting proceeded without issues and that the employee willingly attended.

The law firm further explained that the employee’s departure from the company was unrelated to the harassment incident. They noted that issues arose during the employee’s probation evaluation, which led to a mutual decision for them to leave the company.

In response to the cover-up allegations, Shin & Kim stated, “CEO Min Hee Jin fulfilled her responsibilities by issuing warnings to prevent similar issues in the future and proposing improvements for better HR procedures and transparency to HYBE.”

The law firm also criticized the media for publishing private KakaoTalk conversations, calling it an illegal invasion of privacy. They warned that if such reports continue, ADOR may pursue legal action.

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