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HYBE Employees Talks About Min Hee Jin’s Text Leaks

HYBE logo

The recent leak of private KakaoTalk messages from ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin has ignited controversy, sparking widespread discussion across online communities. Reactions have been mixed, with some netizens criticizing the harsh language Min Hee Jin allegedly used towards NewJeans members, while others continue to support her.

Insider reactions to the controversial leaks of private messages reveal a divide in opinions within the company

HYBE employees have also weighed in on the situation, offering their perspectives as insiders within the company. Many have expressed support for Min Hee Jin, condemning HYBE for exposing her private conversations. These opinions were shared on BLIND, an anonymous platform where employees can comment openly after verifying their employment through work email credentials.

One employee questioned the motivations behind the leaks, stating, “Is Min Hee Jin running for president or something? Why is she being exposed so much? If you’re going to criticize, do it openly. It’s not good to see such a biased situation.”

Another criticized HYBE’s handling of the situation, suggesting that the company’s actions could harm its own artists and disrupt the entertainment industry as a whole. “HYBE’s media play has crossed the line as a big company,” they wrote. “It seems like it’s time for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism or the Board of Audit and Inspection to intervene and stop HYBE’s reckless actions.”

Despite the controversy, some employees believe that Min Hee Jin will remain resilient. One commented, “HYBE is mistaken if they think this can shake Min Hee Jin. She’s someone who has already unabashedly cursed during a press conference. Even if they’re using Dispatch to play up her harsh words on KakaoTalk now, it won’t really affect her much.”

As the fallout from these leaks continues, the divide within HYBE and among fans highlights the complexities of navigating public and private boundaries in the entertainment industry.

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SM Entertainment Faces Accusations of Stirring HYBE Conflict

Reports reveal that SM Entertainment allegedly manipulated public opinion against rival label HYBE. Accusations suggest that SM Entertainment hired a public relations firm, Astraphe, during its escalating conflict with HYBE.

SM Entertainment allegedly manipulated public sentiment against HYBE

Leaked Telegram conversations indicate that Astraphe created a dedicated chat room for their viral marketing staff and SM employees. This chat room allegedly aimed to generate positive sentiments towards their company while spreading negative about HYBE.

Financial records show that SM paid Astraphe a staggering 1.38 billion won, approximately $995,699.81 USD. Although SM Entertainment claimed the money was for banner advertisements, insiders say viral marketing activities began on March 1. The Telegram leaks reveal an SM employee urgently requesting quick viral marketing action, and Astraphe agreed.

Additionally, the alleged strategies included sharing positive articles about SM Entertainment. However, it contained negative ones about HYBE in various online communities.

They reportedly used scare tactics to make fans worry SM Entertainment artists might be disbanded or released if HYBE took over. In a fan cafe post, one statement read, “As an SM fan, I think it could be worse if HYBE takes over. HYBE will demand management rights, and SM artists might not get opportunities.” Astraphe’s employees reportedly made sure their posts appeared as if they originated from genuine netizens.

The viral marketing reportedly persisted for a month, with Astraphe’s employees editing their posts to sound like real user interactions to avoid detection.

Furthermore, the company responded to the allegations by clarifying their motives. In an official statement, the company said, “We conducted online marketing activities. This was through an outside agency to promote the SM 3.0 shareholder proposal and proxy solicitation website. The activities included sharing related articles on online communities. This was part of a ‘media mix’ proposal from the agency with little impact on the campaign.”

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ADOR Denies Poaching NewJeans and Accuses HYBE of Providing False Information to Dispatch

On July 23, ADOR strongly denied allegations that they had poached NewJeans trainees from Source Music to form NewJeans. The agency announced plans to take legal action against HYBE and Dispatch, the media outlet responsible for the report.

ADOR refutes claims of poaching NewJeans and plans to take legal action against HYBE and Dispatch

ADOR stated, “The contents of the article in question are false and reconstructed based on speculation. We will take strong legal action against these false claims.” They emphasized that HYBE and Source Music cooperated in providing false information. They argue that the reported details, such as internal meeting records, task divisions, and personal KakaoTalk messages, are impossible to publish accurately.

In addition, ADOR criticized HYBE and Source Music for exposing the personal information of former trainees and artists without consent. This included medical records and demo tapes. They emphasized that Source Music had ended the trainee contracts and did not permit the use of likenesses or voices.

Furthermore, ADOR announced plans to pursue strong legal action against HYBE and Source Music for their unethical behavior. “The trainee contracts between Source Music and NewJeans members have ended, and there was no agreement permitting the use of their likenesses or voices. Thus, Source Music’s release of trainee videos through media is a severe illegal act. It violates the members’ portrait rights. We request immediate measures to protect the artists,” ADOR stated.

Previously, a media outlet reported that Min Hee Jin took NewJeans members, who were Source Music trainees, to debut under ADOR. The report included messenger conversations and videos of the trainees, leading to the current controversy.

Contrary to Dispatch’s claims, the indefinite postponement of Team N’s debut due to Min Hee Jin’s alleged negligence is far from the truth. To clarify the situation, ADOR released emails from 2021. The timeline provided by ADOR is as follows:

  1. In March 2020, BigHit’s marketing team proposed a launch strategy for ‘Team 21.’ Min Hee Jin found the direction unsuitable and prepared an alternative strategy.
  2. In May 2020, Min Hee Jin presented her launch strategy, which Bang Si Hyuk praised but deemed too ambitious for Source Music’s infrastructure. He suggested Min Hee Jin’s label handle the project.
  3. In August 2020, Source Music re-proposed an initial plan, largely copying Min Hee Jin’s strategy. Complaints arose, and Source Music acknowledged the issue.
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Dispatch Accuses Min Hee Jin of Stealing NewJeans

The K-pop industry is no stranger to controversy, and recent allegations by Dispatch have set the stage for yet another scandal. Dispatch has accused Min Hee Jin of allegedly stealing the group NewJeans. These revelations have stirred up quite a storm among fans and insiders.

NewJeans CEO Min Hee Jin and HYBE dispute continue

According to Dispatch, Min Hee Jin, who previously worked at SM Entertainment and is now a significant player at ADOR, supposedly appropriated creative ideas and managerial rights related to NewJeans. The accusation is that she took these concepts without proper authorization or acknowledgment, raising eyebrows across the industry.

Meanwhile, Min Hee Jin has responded strongly to the allegations. In a public statement, she said, “These accusations are baseless and aimed at tarnishing my reputation. I have always worked ethically and within the parameters set by the companies I’ve been affiliated with.” However, her denial has not yet silenced the growing talks of the public.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Min Hee Jin has been the center of attention. The ADOR CEO has played a crucial role in shaping the careers of several successful K-pop artists. This latest allegation, however, puts a dark cloud over her otherwise celebrated career.

Fans are divided in their reactions. Some stand firmly behind Min Hee Jin, emphasizing her contributions to the industry and dismissing the accusations as unfounded. Others are more skeptical, calling for a thorough investigation to bring the truth to light. Social media platforms are abuzz with debates and discussions, reflecting the high stakes and emotional investments involved.

As the story continues to unfold, the K-pop community remains on edge. The resolution of this controversy will likely have far-reaching implications, not just for Min Hee Jin and NewJeans but for the broader K-pop industry as well. Whether these accusations hold water or fade away will be carefully watched by fans and the public.

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Park Ji Won Announces Resignation as HYBE CEO

In an unexpected announcement, Park Ji Won has revealed that he will step down as the CEO of HYBE. He also confirmed his successor in the same statement.

Park Ji Won Steps Down as HYBE CEO

In his statement to the HYBE staff, Park explained the rationale behind this leadership transition, emphasizing the need for fresh perspectives and new strategies to drive the company forward in an ever-evolving industry.

“We determined that a new leadership was necessary to actively prepare for and respond to HYBE’s future, and lead the new changes,” he said.

It was also confirmed that Lee Jae Sang will replace Park as the new HYBE CEO.

“Following that plan, Lee Jae Sang has been preparing to be the new CEO and the right person to lead HYBE 2.0 since the beginning of this year,” Park added.

“The direction for the new leadership and organizational changes has been a subject of long consideration and discussion. Mr. Lee is the right person to effectively implement HYBE’s mid-to-long-term growth strategy, inheriting HYBE’s vision, mission, and core values while leveraging his domestic and international business network. I sincerely support HYBE’s new leadership and new changes, and as a member of HYBE, I will continue to contribute to HYBE’s future in areas where I can utilize my expertise and network.”

Park Ji Won joined HYBE as CEO in May 2020, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his successful tenure at Nexon. During his time at HYBE, he played a pivotal role in the company’s significant milestones, including its IPO process, rebranding, and the establishment of a multi-label system. These initiatives have been instrumental in HYBE’s rapid growth and global expansion, solidifying its position as a major player in the entertainment industry.

A New Future for HYBE?

Park Ji Won expressed confidence in Lee Jae Sang’s ability to lead the company into its next phase. He highlighted Lee’s extensive experience and vision, which align with HYBE’s goals and aspirations. This leadership change marks a significant moment for HYBE, as it continues to innovate and adapt in the dynamic world of entertainment.

The transition in leadership is seen as a strategic move to ensure that HYBE remains at the forefront of the industry, continuing to deliver groundbreaking projects and nurture its diverse portfolio of artists. As Lee Jae Sang steps into his new role, the company and its stakeholders are looking forward to the continued success and growth under his leadership.

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Min Hee Jin Files Defamation Lawsuit Against HYBE Executives

Min Hee Jin has taken legal action against HYBE Labels. The ADOR CEO has just filed a defamation lawsuit against several HYBE executives including the outgoing CEO Park Ji Won.

Min Hee Jin Defamation Lawsuit VS HYBE Includes Park Ji Won

This development follows allegations reported by Dispatch, which were based on KakaoTalk messages between Min Hee Jin and a shaman. Dispatch accused Min Hee Jin of stealing NewJeans members from Source Music. The report claimed that Min Hee Jin was initially involved in the branding of Source Music’s “N team” trainee debut project. Allegedly, she delayed the N team’s debut to prioritize the debut of NewJeans.

Min Hee Jin has firmly denied these accusations, asserting that the allegations are unfounded and based on illegally obtained personal KakaoTalk messages. In response to the claims, she announced her intention to pursue legal action to address the situation and protect her reputation.

ADOR has since issued a statement confirming Min Hee Jin’s intent.

“ADOR’s CEO Min Hee Jin and others have filed a lawsuit today (July 24) at the Yongsan Police Station against HYBE CEO Park Ji Won, Audit Committee Chairperson Lim Soo Hyun, Chief Legal Officer Jung Jin Soo, Chief Financial Officer Lee Kyung Joon, and Chief Communication Officer Park Tae Hee for defamation,” the statement read.

“The accused have repeatedly engaged in the unauthorized dissemination of private messenger conversations and personal information obtained illegally, maliciously editing them to fit their narrative,” it added.

Another Legal Battle

By filing lawsuits against the HYBE executives, Min Hee Jin is also taking a strong stance against the dissemination of what she considers false information.

This legal move underscores the seriousness with which Min Hee Jin is addressing these allegations. It also highlights the complexities and tensions within the industry, especially regarding the management and debut of trainee groups. The outcome of these lawsuits could also have significant implications for the involved parties and the broader K-pop industry.

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PLAVE Partners With HYBE Labels for Japanese Activities

PLAVE is set to officially debut in Japan. Earlier this year, VLAST Entertainment CEO Lee Seong-gu admitted that he and the members want to expand their presence beyond their homeland. “We don’t know if it’ll happen this year, but we’re focusing on PLAVE’s overseas expansion, hoping to receive love beyond Korea.” Now, their dream is becoming a reality with the help of an influential partner.

PLAVE(플레이브) ‘왜요 왜요 왜?’ | AliExpress 2024 Weverse Con Festival

‘Glocalization’

VLAST Entertainment recently announced, “We have signed an agreement with HYBE Japan for the Japanese debut and activities of our group PLAVE. We anticipate high-quality activities in Japan through this collaboration with HYBE Japan, who has a deep understanding of the Japanese market.”

Earlier this year, rumors were rife that HYBE had acquired VLAST Entertainment, but Lee cleared them up at a press conference. “The rumors about HYBE acquiring us are false. They invested small stakes to help us with overseas expansion, not for funding purposes.”

PLAVE(플레이브) ‘Watch Me Woo!’ | AliExpress 2024 Weverse Con Festival

HYBE Japan will now support PLAVE’s activities. The contract HYBE Japan signed with VLAST Entertainment is the largest of its kind among artists outside HYBE Labels. Its confidence that PLAVE will find success in Japan played a key role in finalizing this agreement. VLAST Entertainment will now actively promote the five-member virtual boy group in the Land of the Rising Sun by working very closely with HYBE Japan.

HYBE Japan employs a ‘glocalization’ strategy, leveraging HYBE‘s global expertise while understanding the Japanese market. They manage strategic planning for K-pop artists in Japan, including music distribution, concerts, product planning and sales, IP-related businesses, content production, media bookings, and PR. PLAVE now has all that and more on their side as they begin promoting in Japan.

PLAVE(플레이브) ‘WAY 4 LUV’ | AliExpress 2024 Weverse Con Festival

About PLAVE

PLAVE, consisting of Yejun, Noah, Bambi, Eunho, and Hamin, quickly gained popularity in Asia since their debut in March 2023. Their second EP, ASTERUM:134-1, topped HMV & BOOKS Japan’s K-pop sales charts for the first half of 2024. Its title track, “WAY 4 LUV,” not only entered the top ranks of South Korean music charts but also made them the first-ever virtual group to win No. 1 on MBC’s Show! Music Core.

PLAVE is known for their advanced use of motion capture technology combined with high-quality visuals and direction. They also garnered much love from fans through interactive live broadcasts. As a self-producing group, all members participate in songwriting, composing, and choreography, showcasing their musical talent and vocal prowess. 

PLAVE(플레이브) ‘니가 사는 그집’ (원곡 : 박진영) | AliExpress 2024 Weverse Con Festival

On April 13 and 14, PLAVE successfully held their first solo fan concert, Hello, Asterum!, at the Olympic Hall in Seoul. The presale saw 70,000 users accessing the ticketing site simultaneously, resulting in a complete sell-out.

Lee expressed gratitude to the fans, “Last year, despite our efforts, nothing worked out. We couldn’t get on shows or receive any offers. Now, thanks to the fans’ love, we are receiving many proposals for TV and commercial appearances. We are very thankful.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Thanks to HYBE, PLAVE will finally get to do something they’ve dreamed of doing since debut. Source: X/@plave_official.

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HYBE Creates Team Korea Cheer Lightstick for the Paris Olympics

The iconic cheering culture of K-pop is set to debut at the Paris Olympics. HYBE created the Team Korea Cheer Lightstick to support the South Korean national team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, in collaboration with the Korea Sports Association (KSA) and its president, Lee Ki-heung. 

In K-pop, lightsticks are an essential part of fan culture. Each K-pop group has its own unique lightstick design and colors, symbolizing the group’s identity. Fans bring these lightsticks to concerts and other events to show their support. During performances, coordinated displays of lightsticks create a visually stunning sea of lights that enhances the experience for fans and artists alike. This fosters a stronger sense of community among fans and provides powerful encouragement to the artists. 

Now, with the Team Korea Cheer Lightstick, supporters of the Korean national team can offer similar encouragement to athletes at the Paris Olympics. Inspired by the Olympic torch, the lightstick features a transparent top housing the Team Korea logo, symbolizing the identity of the Korean team. The light-emitting part below the logo resembles an Olympic stadium, creating a ripple effect when illuminated. The athlete’s version includes a taegukgi (Korean flag) at the top.

Hybe, may pa-light stick sa Team Korea na sasabak sa 2024 Paris Olympics

Spreading the lightstick culture

HYBE will give 500 lightsticks to the Korean team. They will also distribute approximately 4,500 lightsticks to supporters participating in group cheering events at the Korea House in Paris. There, hundreds of people, including athletes’ families and various dignitaries, will gather to watch and cheer for the Korean team while waving their lightsticks in the air.

SEVENTEEN’s subunit BooSeokSoon or BSS (composed of Seungkwan, DK, and Hoshi) will also do its part to support Team Korea. BSS will lead the Team Korea Cheer Challenge with their hit single “Fighting.” A challenge video was released on the Korea Sports Council’s Instagram and other social media channels on the 10th, followed by relay challenge videos by the national team.

@ksocpr

부석순이 2024 파리올림픽에 나서는 팀코리아 선수들을 응원합니다!💙 부석순과 함께 팀코리아 선수들을 응원해주세요! 팀코리아 파이팅 해야지!💪 @SEVENTEEN 다음 챌린지를 진행해주실 펜싱 오상욱 선수@ohsu.o_o 와 근대5종 전웅태 선수 @jun__oo__ !! 함께 응원해주세요!🥰 #팀코리아파이팅해야지 #파이팅해야지 #2024파리올림픽 #팀코리아 #TEAMKOREA

♬ 오리지널 사운드 – 대한체육회 – 대한체육회

During the Olympics, HYBE will provide video content by its artists to the Korea House, which serves as the Korea Promotion Center. This will include music videos and variety content from HYBE Labels artists, as well as displays of the lightsticks and official merchandise. A photo event featuring Wootteo, a character made for BTS member Jin’s hit single “The Astronaut,” will also be part of the attractions. Finally, HYBE will also produce ‘cheer slogans’ as official merchandise for Team Korea, supplied to the KSA.

HYBE stated, “Spreading the lightstick culture from K-pop to the international sports arena represents a meaningful initiative for HYBE as an entertainment company. The lightstick’s value in connecting people with a single light aligns perfectly with the unified cheering culture of the Olympics.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The lightsticks look so cool, especially the athlete’s version! Source: X/@gureumsai0217.

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ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin Faces Police Investigations For Embezzlement Allegations

Min Hee Jin, CEO of ADOR, arrived at the Yongsan Police Station to face questioning over embezzlement allegations made by HYBE. When questioned about her focus during the statement, she responded firmly, “I will speak the truth. The embezzlement claim is baseless.”

HYBE lodged the complaint on April 26, accusing Min Hee Jin of attempting to seize control of its subsidiary, ADOR, through embezzlement. The police interrogation marks the first formal step in an investigation spurred by these accusations. The allegations, which surfaced last month, claim that she misappropriated company funds for personal use.

Sources close to the investigation revealed that she was questioned extensively about her financial management practices and specific transactions flagged by HYBE’s internal audit team. Dressed in a simple, professional outfit, she appeared composed as she addressed reporters outside the police station. Her representatives argue that, given the company’s share structure, a takeover is impossible and that she has never committed embezzlement.

Brief history of Min Hee Jin vs. HYBE dispute

The controversy began when Hybe Labels announced on April 22 that it would audit its subsidiary label, ADOR, and its executives. This announcement included requesting ADOR’s CEO, Min Hee Jin, the creative force behind NewJeans, to step down.

Hybe claimed they had evidence that she was attempting to gain complete control of ADOR and had leaked private information to lure investors. Min Hee Jin owns 18% of ADOR, top executives hold 2%, and Hybe Labels controls 80%.

In response, ADOR released an official statement accusing Hybe’s new girl group, Illit, of plagiarizing NewJeans. According to ADOR, they had raised the plagiarism issue internally, but no action was taken, leading to the audit instead. “It’s not me who betrayed Hybe. It’s Hybe that betrayed me,” she stated.

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Lenzo Yoon Expected to Leave HYBE After Non Compete Clause Expires

Yoon Seok-jun, aka Lenzo Yoon, recently stepped down as CEO of HYBE America. According to an exclusive report by Maeil Business Newspaper Star Today, Yoon has since returned to South Korea with his family in tow. Now, all eyes are on him, as many are eager to find out what his next move will be. Industry insiders suggest that he’s under a noncompete clause until the end of this year and is expected to leave HYBE completely when it expires.

A noncompete clause in an employment contract restricts a former employee from working in similar roles or industries for a certain period after leaving their job. This clause is designed to protect the company by preventing former employees from using insider knowledge to benefit competitors. In this context, competitors refer to other companies in the same industry as HYBE, which manages high-profile K-pop stars like BTS. Think JYP Entertainment, SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and the like.

In Yoon’s case, his noncompete clause prevents him from doing anything with those companies and others like them. This ensures that he won’t be able to use the experience and knowledge he gained at HYBE to benefit another company, potentially harming HYBE’s business interests. Once this clause expires, he’s free to do whatever he wants, whenever he wants, and wherever he wants.

Only time will tell what he’s planning to do.

Music’s Limitless Variations: Global CEO Lenzo Yoon, Big Hit Entertainment | SXSW 2021

All about Lenzo Yoon

Yoon joined HYBE in 2010, when it was still known as BigHit Entertainment. As the Director of Strategic Planning, he worked closely with Bang Si-hyuk, the company’s founder, focusing on content development and platform building. In 2015, Yoon was named Head of Business Planning. Starting in 2017, he strengthened the company’s global partnerships and expanded BTS’s IP business and world tours.

He was promoted three times within the next four years. Yoon rose to CEO of BigHit Entertainment in 2019, became Global CEO in 2020, and was appointed CEO of HYBE America and HYBE Universal in 2021. He made Billboard US’s 2022 Power List alongside Bang Si-hyuk, but stepped down from both positions soon after. He was replaced by Scooter Braun, who became HYBE America’s sole CEO in January 2023. Yoon hasn’t held an official position within HYBE since then, and maintained a relatively low profile until news of his return to South Korea broke.

Scooter Braun, known for discovering Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, joined HYBE after his company Ithaca Holdings was acquired for about 1 billion USD in April 2021 as part of HYBE’s global expansion. After parting ways with Bieber and Grande last year, Braun retired from music management in June 2024 to focus on his HYBE work. Incidentally, HYBE America reported a net loss of approximately 11.7 million USD last year.

Maeil Business Newspaper Star Today asked HYBE to comment on their report, to no avail. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: What will Yoon do next? Source: Rolling Stone.

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