Tag: HYBE

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PLAVE Partners With HYBE Labels for Japanese Activities

PLAVE

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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Illustrator Accuses HYBE of Referencing Her Artwork for SYNDI8

An illustrator has publicly accused HYBE of using her artwork as a reference for their new virtual idol group SYNDI8 without proper permission. The artist revealed that although the company initially contacted her for the project, they had since cut communication with her.

Illustrator Claims SYNDI8 References Her Artwork

According to the illustrator, an official from HYBE initially reached out via social media to discuss a potential collaboration for the group’s artwork. However, the communication abruptly ceased, leaving the collaboration unresolved.

The illustrator only became aware of the similarities between her work and the artwork for HYBE’s SYNDI8 when her fans began inquiring if she had collaborated with the label. Noticing the striking resemblances, she realized her work had likely been used without her consent.

Taking to her Instagram page, the artist shared her grievances, posting a capture of the direct message she received from the HYBE official. In her post, she detailed how the discussion had started with potential collaboration plans but ended abruptly without any explanation. She expressed her disappointment and frustration, highlighting the striking similarities between her original work and the SYNDI8 artwork, which fans had brought to her attention.

“This year, I received an inquiry from a subsidiary of H Corporation regarding designs for a virtual girl group. When I provided a detailed quote and additional information, the designer cut off all communication without any response, which I found very unpleasant.”

“Today, HYBE announced their new virtual group, and many people around me assumed I had worked on it, sending me images. It felt strange. If you look at the third image, the original unique sketch style they had shown me is completely gone, and the art style has changed entirely. But my fans thought I collaborated on this project.”

“They showed me their concept but never commissioned me. The final result is completely different from the original sketches and strangely similar to my style. This must be a coincidence, right? Did they work hard to trace and use the eyedropper tool, or did they heavily reference my work?”

The artist’s accusations have sparked a conversation about the importance of respecting intellectual property and the ethical considerations of using an artist’s work without permission. Fans and fellow artists have shown their support for the illustrator, calling for transparency and accountability from HYBE. The incident underscores the need for proper communication and consent in artistic collaborations, especially in an industry as influential as K-pop.

For now, HYBE has not yet responded to the illustrator’s accusations about referencing her artwork for SYNDI8. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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HYBE Shares Update On Legal Proceedings For NewJeans Against Malicious Activities

HYBE has provided updates on the legal proceedings for NewJeans and their other artists against those who engage in malicious actions.

HYBE’s Latest Statement Shares Update on Legal Proceedings for NewJeans Against Ill-Natured Activities

On June 28, HYBE provided a comprehensive update on the ongoing legal proceedings aimed at protecting their artists, including NewJeans, from malicious actions.

In their statement, HYBE also highlighted the progress of these legal actions against activities that infringe upon the rights of NewJeans members. These activities encompass a wide range of offenses such as defamation, personal attacks, sexual harassment, spreading false information, ill-intentioned criticism, and the use of pejorative names. HYBE also emphasized their unwavering stance, stating that “there will be no leniency or settlement under any circumstances in the legal proceedings regarding the artist’s rights.”

This robust approach underscores HYBE’s commitment to safeguarding their artists from harmful and damaging behavior. They aim to set a precedent that such actions will not be tolerated and will be met with serious legal consequences.

NewJeans is not the only group under HYBE’s protection in these matters. Other HYBE artists, including BTS, TXT, SEVENTEEN, fromis_9, Hwang Minhyun, Baekho, TWS, and BOYNEXTDOOR, have also issued statements about the ongoing legal measures against those who engage in similar malicious activities. Each artist has expressed their determination to ensure their rights and well-being are protected.

HYBE’s proactive stance in addressing these issues also reflects their broader commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment for their artists. By taking legal action, they aim to deter future offenses and support the mental and emotional health of their artists, ensuring they can continue their careers without being subjected to harmful and unwarranted behavior. This update also serves as a reminder to the public and fans alike that HYBE will continue to prioritize the safety and rights of their artists, maintaining zero tolerance for any form of malicious activity.

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Fair Trade Commission Launches Official Investigation Against HYBE

It looks like the Fair Trade Commission has its eye on HYBE Labels. The FTC has decided to launch an official investigation into whether the company falsified important documents.

Fair Trade Commission Suspects HYBE of Submitting False Data

On June 24, 2024, Korean media reported that the FTC has launched an official investigation into HYBE. The investigation aims to scrutinize the company for potentially omitting or falsifying data regarding the relatives of its founder and chairman, Bang Si Hyuk.

As HYBE recently achieved conglomerate status, it is legally obligated to disclose information about the family members and their associated companies of its executives. The FTC’s concerns center on whether HYBE failed to accurately report the scope of Bang Si Hyuk’s relatives, the companies they own, and other affiliates. An official from the FTC stated that discrepancies were noted when comparing publicly available data on the HYBE shares held by these relatives.

The FTC’s investigation will delve into the accuracy and completeness of the information submitted by HYBE. The omission or falsification of such data is considered a serious offense, particularly for conglomerates, as it can obscure the true financial and operational scope of the company. The scrutiny includes a detailed examination of the familial connections and business interests of Bang Si Hyuk’s relatives to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements.

HYBE’s designation as a conglomerate in May 2024 underscores its substantial influence and reach within the entertainment industry. This status also brings increased regulatory oversight, aimed at maintaining transparency and fair competition. The investigation by the FTC highlights the importance of accountability and accurate reporting for large corporations.

As the investigation progresses, HYBE will need to cooperate fully with the authorities to clarify any misunderstandings or inaccuracies. The outcome of this probe could also have significant implications for the company’s governance practices and its public image. Observers within the industry and the financial sector will also be closely monitoring developments, given HYBE’s prominent position and the potential repercussions of the investigation’s findings.

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aespa and NewJeans Collaborate in ‘How Sweet’ and ‘Armageddon’ Dance Challenges

The members of aespa and NewJeans delighted fans with an exciting collaboration that showcased their camaraderie and mutual respect. The idol groups just showed off their undeniable talent in new dance challenges!

aespa and NewJeans Delight Fans in New Dance Challenges

In a surprising and heartwarming display of unity, NewJeans members Danielle and Hanni teamed up with aespa’s Ningning and Winter to perform the ‘How Sweet’ dance challenge. Simultaneously, Karina and Giselle from aespa joined forces with Minji and Haerin from NewJeans for the ‘Armageddon’ challenge.

This collaboration has garnered significant attention, not only because it features two of the most popular girl groups in the K-pop industry today but also due to the underlying narrative that preceded it. There had been a wave of speculation and rumors among fans suggesting a possible rivalry between aespa and NewJeans. This speculation was fueled by leaked messages from Bang Si Hyuk, the chairman of HYBE Corporation, who had reportedly urged Min Hee Jin, CEO of ADOR (the label managing NewJeans), to use NewJeans to “step on aespa.”

Such messages led to widespread discussions among fans, with some expressing concerns about potential animosity between the two groups. However, the recent collaboration effectively dispelled these rumors and demonstrated that aespa and NewJeans maintain a friendly and supportive relationship despite any external pressures or industry competition.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

The ‘How Sweet’ and ‘Armageddon’ dance challenges allowed fans to witness a blend of talents from both groups, creating a memorable and joyous experience. Danielle, Hanni, Ningning, and Winter’s performance was filled with energy and synchronization, highlighting their shared love for dance and performance. Similarly, Karina, Giselle, Minji, and Haerin showcased their charisma and chemistry, proving that collaboration between the two groups is not only possible but also highly successful.

This joint effort signifies more than just a fun dance challenge; it represents a broader message of solidarity and camaraderie within the K-pop industry. By coming together, aespa and NewJeans have shown that unity and mutual respect can thrive amidst competitive environments. Their collaboration serves as an example of how artists can support and uplift each other, setting a positive precedent for future interactions among K-pop groups.

The response from fans has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing joy and relief at seeing their favorite idols interact harmoniously. This collaboration has also opened up new possibilities for future projects and partnerships between aespa and NewJeans, further exciting their fanbases.

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Min Hee Jin Wins Injunction Vs HYBE, Retains ADOR CEO Position

The Seoul Central District Court has ruled in favor of Min Hee Jin concerning HYBE’s voting rights regarding her dismissal. On May 30, the court granted Min Hee Jin’s request for an injunction that prohibits HYBE from exercising its voting rights to remove her from her ADOR CEO position.

Min Hee Jin To Continue ADOR CEO Position

The court’s decision was based on the lack of substantial evidence provided by HYBE to support the reasons for Min Hee Jin’s dismissal or resignation. The court remarked, “The reasons for Min Hee Jin’s dismissal or resignation claimed by HYBE have not been sufficiently substantiated,” further noting, “While Min Hee Jin’s actions may be considered betrayal to HYBE, it is difficult to say that they constitute actions of breach of trust in regards to ADOR.”

This legal battle began on May 7, when Min Hee Jin filed for an injunction to prevent HYBE from using its voting rights to dismiss her at the ADOR extraordinary meeting of shareholders scheduled for May 31. With the court’s acceptance of this request, HYBE is now barred from voting on her dismissal during the upcoming meeting, ensuring that Min Hee Jin will remain in her role as the CEO of ADOR.

Min Hee Jin vs HYBE

Had the court denied the injunction, Min Hee Jin’s dismissal would have been almost certain, given that HYBE holds a significant 80 percent of ADOR’s shares. The court’s ruling is thus a significant victory for Min Hee Jin, allowing her to continue her leadership of ADOR without the immediate threat of removal.

This ruling also highlights the complexities and legal intricacies involved in corporate governance within the entertainment industry. Min Hee Jin’s continued role as CEO suggests her importance and influence in the direction and operations of ADOR. It also underscores the court’s stance that sufficient evidence and just cause are paramount when attempting to remove an executive from their position, even in cases where a majority shareholder seeks such action.

For now, Min Hee Jin can continue her work with ADOR, while HYBE must reassess its approach if it intends to challenge her position further. This decision not only preserves the stability within ADOR but also reinforces the need for concrete justification in corporate governance disputes.

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HYBE Responds to NewJeans ‘How Sweet’ MV Age and Country Restrictions

On May 27, HYBE addressed allegations regarding the age restriction imposed on NewJeans‘ latest music video for their track “How Sweet.” There had been accusations circulating that HYBE had deliberately placed age and country restrictions on the music video, which sparked significant controversy among fans and the general public.

HYBE’s Response to Age and Country Restrictions on NewJeans’ “How Sweet” Music Video

In response, HYBE clarified their position through a statement to Ilgan Sports, asserting that they were not responsible for the restrictions on the video. The statement aimed to dispel the misunderstandings and reassure fans that the limitations were not a decision made by the agency.

Despite the surrounding controversy, NewJeans continue to demonstrate their resilience and potential in the music industry. The girl group has shown impressive growth and success, as evidenced by their swift ascent on the Melon TOP 100 chart with their latest releases, “How Sweet” and “Bubble Gum.”

Achievements on the Melon TOP 100 Chart

On May 24, NewJeans achieved a significant milestone when their new tracks, “How Sweet” and “Bubble Gum,” entered the Melon Top 100 chart at positions 7 and 14, respectively. This accomplishment highlights the group’s rapidly growing popularity and the strong support they receive from their fanbase. The impressive debut of these tracks on such a prestigious chart underscores the group’s musical talent and the effective promotion strategies employed by their management.

The group’s ability to secure high-ranking positions on the Melon chart, even amid controversies, showcases their resilience and the unwavering support of their fans. It also reflects the quality and appeal of their music, which resonates with a wide audience.

The journey of NewJeans in the highly competitive K-pop industry has not been without challenges. Yet, their continuous rise on music charts and the positive reception of their releases indicate a promising future. The group’s achievements on the Melon TOP 100 chart serve as a testament to their hard work, talent, and the strategic efforts of their agency.

The Road Ahead for NewJeans

HYBE’s swift response to the allegations and their efforts to clarify the situation demonstrate their commitment to protecting and promoting their artists effectively. Moving forward, it will be crucial for both the agency and the group to navigate controversies carefully and continue to focus on producing high-quality music that resonates with their audience.

In conclusion, despite the age-restriction controversy, NewJeans have proven their mettle by climbing the music charts and maintaining a strong fanbase. Their success story is a reminder of the dynamic nature of the music industry and the importance of resilience and adaptability in achieving long-term success.

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