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ADOR CEO Reportedly Requested Authority to Terminate NewJeans’ Exclusive Contracts with HYBE

The Korean entertainment industry, known for its intricacies and power dynamics, recently witnessed a significant development surrounding CEO Min Hee Jin of ADOR and her request for authority over the termination of NewJeans’ exclusive contracts.

Did Min Hee Jin Try to Override HYBE in Terminating NewJeans’ Exclusive Contracts?

The request sheds light on the complexities of contract negotiations and power struggles within entertainment conglomerates.

Min Hee Jin‘s request to amend her shareholder’s contract with HYBE Labels, ADOR’s parent company, emerged against the backdrop of negotiations from the previous year, notably concerning put back options and the issuance of new shares. These negotiations, which took place in February, laid the groundwork for Min Hee Jin’s subsequent bid for unilateral authority over contract terminations.

Traditionally, decisions regarding the exclusive contracts of major artists are subject to shareholders’ meetings, ensuring transparency and collective decision-making. However, Min Hee Jin’s purported request seeks to circumvent this process, granting her sole discretion over terminating NewJeans members’ contracts without consultation with the board or interference from HYBE.

Min Hee Jin’s Ongoing Battle

The move has raised eyebrows within the industry, as it diverges from established norms and potentially undermines corporate governance principles. With Min Hee Jin, Vice President Shin, and board member Kim constituting ADOR’s current shareholder’s board, HYBE’s substantial ownership stake affords it significant influence over board dynamics and decision-making processes.

HYBE’s rejection of Min Hee Jin’s proposal underscores the tension brewing between the ADOR CEO and the conglomerate. Suspicions of Min Hee Jin’s alleged intentions to orchestrate an “exit” strategy without HYBE’s involvement further exacerbate the rift, prompting the conglomerate to assert its control and safeguard its interests.

The unfolding saga underscores the intricate power dynamics at play in the Korean entertainment industry, where corporate maneuvers and contractual negotiations often intersect with creative endeavors. As the industry continues to evolve, stakeholders grapple with balancing artistic autonomy with corporate oversight, navigating a landscape shaped by ambition, competition, and strategic maneuvering.

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HYBE Responds to NewJeans Neglect Accusations

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.

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ADOR Responds to HYBE’s Management Audit on CEO Min Hee Jin

HYBE’s decision to initiate a management audit of its subsidiary label ADOR has sent ripples through the K-pop industry, raising questions about the dynamics between the two entities and the future of their partnership. Since then, ADOR has addressed the label’s plans.

HYBE Initiates Management Audit on ADOR

Despite HYBE holding a controlling 80 percent stake in ADOR, recent developments have highlighted tensions between the label and its parent company. Reports surfaced on April 22 indicating that HYBE had detected efforts by ADOR to assert its independence, prompting concerns within the conglomerate. In response, HYBE took swift action, calling for a shareholders’ meeting to address the situation and hold the ADOR management accountable for their actions.

Founded in 2021 by industry veteran Min Hee Jin, ADOR quickly became synonymous with innovation and creativity, serving as the home for rising stars like NewJeans.

Central to HYBE’s concerns was the composition of ADOR’s leadership, with both current directors having joined the company alongside Min Hee Jin from SM Entertainment. In an effort to exert greater influence and oversight, HYBE sought to appoint an additional director from its own ranks, signaling a shift in power dynamics within the label.

Furthermore, reports circulated that HYBE had issued a document calling for Min Hee Jin’s resignation as CEO of ADOR, further complicating the situation and raising speculation about the future leadership of the label.

ADOR Responds to HYBE’s Plans

In response to these developments, ADOR issued a statement addressing the reports and affirming its commitment to transparency and cooperation with HYBE during the audit process.

“It appears that HYBE and BELIFT LAB along with Chairman Bang Si Hyuk think that simply driving CEO Min Hee Jin out of the company will end this issue without providing proper apologies or measures. However, ADOR will use all possible means and methods to protect the cultural achievements that NewJeans has worked for and to prevent further infringement due to copying. We want to make it clear that we cannot tolerate copying and various unfair actions continuing against ADOR and NewJeans,” it read.

The outcome of this audit and the subsequent actions taken by both parties will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of ADOR and its relationship with HYBE, underscoring the complexities of navigating the competitive landscape of the K-pop industry.

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NewJeans’ Hyein Halts Activities Due to Foot Injury

Earlier today, NewJeans’ agency ADOR made an announcement regarding member Hyein. “She has sustained an injury during practice and will be suspending her activities for the time being,” ADOR said in a statement. This news comes as a disappointment to fans eagerly awaiting the girl group’s next comeback.

@newjeans_official

Hyein’s pov 🌼🛍🥯 #NewJeans #뉴진스 #HYEIN #NewJeans_is_Everywhere

♬ See You Again (feat. Kali Uchis) – Tyler, The Creator

According to the agency, Hyein was taken to a hospital after complaining of pain in the top of her foot during a training session. The 15-year-old idol was eventually diagnosed with a microfracture, a very small break or crack in the bone. Microfractures don’t break the bone completely but do make moving difficult and painful. This kind of injury is often caused by overuse, repetitive stress, or a sudden impact. Given the intense dancing idols like her do in practice rooms and onstage, it isn’t surprising that Hyein was injured.

A microfracture may be small, but it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Such injuries can cause sharp pain or swelling. The recovery time from a microfracture can vary but is usually between 6 to 12 weeks. The key to healing is to keep the injured joint as relaxed as possible. During this period, the patient must avoid putting weight or stress on the injured foot. That’s why Hyein is suspending her activities, as she can’t engage in anything that involves complex choreography or extensive standing and moving.

How will this affect NewJeans’ comeback?

Hyein sustained this injury while preparing for NewJeans’ highly anticipated comeback on May 24. Despite this setback, NewJeans plans to continue with their activities. The five-member girl group will release a double single featuring the title track “How Sweet” and the B-side “Bubble Gum.” NewJeans and the Japanese company Kao recently released a commercial featuring the latter, which you can check out below.

花王 Essential きらめく朝、はじまる。篇 60秒 CM NewJeans

They’re also going ahead with their second Japanese fan meeting at the Tokyo Dome on June 26 and 27.

Meanwhile, fans of the group have taken to social media to support Hyein, expressing wishes for her speedy recovery and anticipation for the group’s comeback. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Get well soon, Hyein! Source: UHD Wallpaper.

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ADOR Begs NewJeans Fans To Avoid Giving Letters At Airport

NewJeans fans are in for some disappointing news. The group’s agency has issued a notice asking people to avoid giving letters and gifts at the airport.

NewJeans Fans No Longer Allowed to Hand Letters and Gifts at the Airport

On April 5, ADOR issued a notice regarding fan interactions with NewJeans, urging fans to adhere to certain guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of the members. The notice, titled “Information on How to Deliver Fan Letters to NewJeans (No Giving Letters at the Airport),” outlined specific instructions regarding the delivery of fan letters and gifts to the group.

In the notice, ADOR expressed concern over the potential risks associated with fans presenting gifts or letters to NewJeans at the airport, particularly during congested situations with heavy foot traffic. Acknowledging the safety hazards posed by such practices, the agency made it clear that NewJeans would not be accepting letters from fans at airport locations.

“Giving presents or fan letters during a congested situation with heavy human traffic may lead to dangerous accidents, requiring extra caution. As such, we would like to inform you, as we have in the initial notice, that fan letters can be delivered only through the designated methods.”

Furthermore, ADOR emphasized that NewJeans has a strict policy against receiving gifts from fans under any circumstances. This policy extends to fan letters, which are only accepted through designated channels, namely the group’s official PO box or directly from NewJeans fan club managers during specified events such as open music shows or in-person fan sign events.

By issuing these guidelines, ADOR aimed to ensure the safety and security of both NewJeans members and their fans during public appearances. The agency’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to prioritizing the well-being of its artists and maintaining a safe environment for fan interactions.

While the notice may have disappointed some fans who were eager to express their support for NewJeans in person, adhering to these guidelines is essential for fostering a positive and responsible fan culture. By respecting the agency’s directives and following the designated procedures for letter delivery, fans can continue to show their love and appreciation for NewJeans in a manner that prioritizes safety and compliance with official protocols.

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NEWJEANS’ Danielle is New Celine Global Ambassador

Danielle has a new major endorsement. The NEWJEANS member has just been confirmed as the new Celine global ambassador.

Danielle of NEWJEANS is New Celine Global Ambassador

On March 22, the French brand’s official social media accounts confirmed that Danielle has been chosen as the new Celine global ambassador. They also shared a gorgeous photo of the NEWJEANS member.

The announcement of Danielle from NewJeans as the newest global ambassador for Celine has sparked excitement and anticipation among fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. Known for her distinctive style and captivating presence, Danielle’s collaboration with the French luxury brand is also expected to bring a fresh perspective and dynamic energy to the fashion world.

As a global ambassador for Celine, Danielle will have the opportunity to represent the renowned fashion house across various platforms and initiatives. Her influence and reach as a model and influencer also make her an ideal choice to embody the elegance and sophistication synonymous with the Celine brand.

Danielle’s Bright Future

Fans of Danielle and admirers of Celine’s timeless aesthetic are also eager to see the innovative collaborations and projects that will emerge from this partnership. With Danielle’s innate sense of style and Celine’s iconic designs, there is anticipation for the creation of captivating campaigns and inspiring content that will also resonate with audiences worldwide.

For Danielle, being appointed as the global ambassador represents a significant milestone in her career, marking her transition from a rising star to a leading figure in the fashion industry. Her journey from NewJeans to Celine also exemplifies the power of perseverance, talent, and dedication in achieving success in the competitive world of fashion.

As she embarks on this new chapter, Danielle’s fans are also eager to witness her continued growth and evolution as a model and influencer. With her unique charm and magnetic presence, she is also poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of fashion, captivating audiences and inspiring individuals to embrace their own sense of style and self-expression.

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SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids among K-pop Acts That Made It To IFPI’s Best-Selling Artists Worldwide in 2023

2023 was indeed a huge year for K-pop and groups SEVENTEEN and Stray Kids were among those that dominated it. 

On Thursday, February 22, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) released its annual rankings for the best-selling artists worldwide and several K-pop acts made it to the 2023 list!

According to Soompi, IFPI’s Global Recording Artist Chart “ranks aritsts based on physical sales, downloads, and streaming over the course of the past year.” 

Leading the K-pop acts is the God of Music hitmakers SEVENTEEN. Notably, the 13-member boy group ranked second overall in the worldwide rankings, just right after award-winning singer songwriter Taylor Swift. Moreover, this served group’s the third consecutive year in the top 10 of the chart. 

In 2023, SEVENTEEN bagged numerous awards for their recent albums FML and Seventeenth Heaven. Aside from that, the “Super” hitmakers made an unprecedented record of more than 10 million physical album sales, from January to September of 2023 alone.

Following SEVENTEEN is the 4th generation group Stray Kids, who achieved a number of milestones in 2023. To specify, the “LALALALA” singers scored a back-to-back No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Album Sales Chart for their full-length album 5-Star and their mini-album Rock Star.

Moreover, the five-member boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER also made it to the list. Placing seventh in the overall list, TOMORROW X TOGETHER managed to be one of IFPI’s best-selling artists with the release of their album The Name Chapter: FREEFALL.

After the three boy groups, rookie monsters NewJeans made history as they became the first and only K-op girl group to make it to the Top 10 list. The quintet, who are best known for hits Hype Boy”, “Attention”, “Super Shy”, ranked eight overall.

 

Fans rejoice as K-pop continues to dominate

With the K-pop acts securing their respective spots in the IFPI best-selling artists list for 2023, they now join international stars Drake, The Weeknd, Lana del Rey, and others in the Top 10.

After seeing the inclusion of the K-Pop names among the list of Western artists, the fans of SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, TOMORROW X TOGETHER and NewJeans expressed their happiness over their idols’ achievements.

On social media, CARATs, STAYs, MOAs, and Bunnies (the groups’ fan bases, respectively), showed how proud they are of the artists.

One Carat referred to SEVENTEEN as “global superstars who are insanely famous. Meanwhile, a STAY congratulated Stray Kids and said that their music is so loved.

MOAs also applauded TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s jump to the seventeen spot after not being on the list for the 2022 Top 20 chart. Having high hopes that the “Chasing That Feeling singers continue to soar, a fan stated that 2024 will even be better for the group.

https://twitter.com/meemznn/status/1760667732633100331

 

Lastly, Bunnies also shared their congratulatory messages for NewJeans and called them “queens” and “smash hitmakers.” 

In addition to these Top 10 placers, K-pop groups IVE and NCT Dream also secured the No. 12 and No. 15 spots, respectively. Congratulations! 

Featured image: SEVENTEEN releases special video for ‘April Shower.’ Credit: Twitter/SEVENTEEN

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Lotte Wellfood Taps NewJeans to Endorse ‘ZERO’ Snack Line

Lotte Wellfood has enlisted the top girl group NewJeans to endorse its ZERO snack line, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s Health & Wellness campaign. Launched in 2022, the ZERO line targets customers seeking healthier snack options. It offers sweets and desserts with zero calories and zero sugar. Through this partnership, Lotte Wellfood aims to leverage NewJeans‘ widespread popularity to establish the brand as a new dessert standard.

The ZERO line, a sugar-free dessert series using alternative sweeteners, features a wide range of products. This includes ZERO Chocolate Chip Cookies, ZERO Cocoa Cake, and ZERO Fruit Jelly, among others. NewJeans is endorsing the entire line. The girl group has seen considerable success. Their second EP, Get Up, topped the US Billboard 200 Albums chart. Three songs from the EP—“Cool With You,” “ETA,” and the megahit “Super Shy”also made the US Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart.

NewJeans will enhance ZERO’s brand image

The campaign with NewJeans will showcase video content of the members enjoying ZERO products in their daily lives. Centered around the tagline, “The dessert you want to eat every day, ZERO,” it seeks to attract fans. The brand will also release limited edition products featuring photos of members Danielle, Haerin, Hanni, Hyein, and Minji.

A representative from Lotte Wellfood shared their enthusiasm about partnering with the ADOR Music act, stating, “We plan to conduct various marketing activities to enhance the brand image of ZERO in collaboration with the global stars NewJeans. Look forward to the varied appearances of NewJeans that we will unveil through new product launches, making films, and more.”

[ NewJeans X 빼빼로 ] 뉴진스, 우리 마음 빼빼로로 말해요! – 빼빼로데이 편 (15’)

This partnership represents the second collaboration between Lotte Wellfood and NewJeans, following their endorsement of Pepero. The collaboration on the ZERO snack line is expected to further promote a healthier, more enjoyable lifestyle to consumers. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Lotte Wellfood was so pleased with the results of their first collaboration with the girls that they gave them a second one. Source: X/@NewJeansCentral.

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NewJeans Confirmed for 2024 Billboard Women In Music Awards

The announcement of NewJeans’ participation at the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards has ignited excitement and anticipation among fans worldwide. As one of the most prestigious events in the music industry, the Billboard Women in Music Awards celebrates and recognizes the contributions of female artists who have made significant impacts on the music landscape.

NewJeans to Perform at 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards

NewJeans, a rising sensation in the music industry, has captured the hearts of fans with their dynamic performances, infectious energy, and chart-topping hits. Comprising talented members known for their vocal prowess, stage presence, and captivating charisma, NewJeans has quickly risen to prominence and garnered widespread acclaim.

The group’s inclusion in the lineup of performers at the Billboard Women in Music Awards underscores their growing influence and contributions to the music industry. It serves as a testament to their talent, hard work, and dedication to their craft, as well as their commitment to empowering and inspiring audiences worldwide.

In addition to their highly anticipated performance, NewJeans will also be honored with the prestigious Group of the Year award at the ceremony. This recognition further solidifies their status as one of the most promising and impactful music groups of their generation.

Fans eagerly await NewJeans’ appearance at the prestigious event, where they will undoubtedly deliver a memorable performance that showcases their incredible talent and artistry. The event also promises to be a star-studded affair, with NewJeans joining an illustrious lineup of female artists who continue to push boundaries, break barriers, and redefine the music industry.

For those unable to attend the awards show in person, the event will also be livestreamed on the official website, providing fans around the world with the opportunity to witness NewJeans’ electrifying performance and celebrate their achievements.

As NewJeans continues to make waves in the music industry and captivate audiences with their music, their participation in the Billboard Women in Music Awards serves as a milestone moment in their career journey. It is also a testament to their rising status as one of the most promising music groups of their generation and a celebration of their remarkable talent and accomplishments.

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IU Confirms Surprise Collaboration with NewJeans’ Hyein

As IU prepares to unveil her sixth mini-album ‘The Winning’ the excitement has reached new heights with the recent release of the official tracklist. Interestingly, it has been revealed that the soloist has a surprise collaboration with NewJeans member Hyein!

‘The Winning’ Tracklist Reveals Surprise Collaboration Between IU and Hyein

Shared online by the singer’s label on February 4, the tracklist for ‘The Winning’ was presented in a creative online shopping cart format, giving fans a sneak peek into the musical treasures awaiting them.

‘The Winning’ boasts a collection of five brand-new songs, with the spotlight shining on two title tracks, namely “Shopper” and “Holssi.” The pre-release single, “Love Wins All,” adds to the anticipation, featuring alongside two other tracks, “I Stan U” and the intriguing “Shh..”. The latter has particularly captured attention, not only for being one of the tracks but also for its notable feature of two artists—Joe Won Sun and Hyein from NewJeans.

Fans are buzzing with excitement about the collaboration between Joe Won Sun, a seasoned Korean singer, and Hyein, a rising star from the rookie group NewJeans. Hyein’s inclusion in IU’s album at such a young age is also seen as a significant honor, and many enthusiasts have linked this collaboration back to a memorable episode on IU’s Palette, where NewJeans made a special guest appearance. During the show, when Hyein performed “Get Up” live, IU was reportedly captivated by her voice, setting the stage for a potential collaboration.

With ‘The Winning’ scheduled for release on February 20 at 6 PM KST, IU’s latest endeavor also promises a musical journey enriched with diverse collaborations and fresh sounds. As fans eagerly await the unveiling of the complete album, the tracklist revelation has only heightened the anticipation, leaving them eager to experience the magic that IU has undoubtedly woven into each track.

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