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NewJeans Fans Protest HYBE’s Alleged Information Leaks

NewJeans fans stand in front of HYBE headquarters over alleged information leaks and media manipulation

NewJeans fans took action by sending protest trucks to HYBE’s headquarters, voicing their concerns over recent allegations against the company. Fans, who call themselves “Bunnies,” organized the protest after hearing that HYBE had allegedly leaked confidential information about NewJeans to Dispatch and other media outlets.

The protest trucks stationed in front of HYBE’s building displayed strong messages condemning the company’s actions. Fans accused HYBE of intentionally leaking sensitive information and manipulating media coverage to their advantage. One truck displayed the message, “Leaking information to YouTube channels and reverse viral marketing to yellow journalism, illegal personal information leaks by HYBE—above the law and human rights?”

Another message directly addressed HYBE’s leadership, including Bang Si Hyuk and Park Ji Won, demanding that they take responsibility and issue an apology. The fans’ protest underscored their support for NewJeans and ADOR while calling on HYBE to stop what they see as illegal and unethical practices.

This protest demonstrates the Bunnies’ commitment to protecting NewJeans and holding HYBE accountable for actions that they believe could harm the group. Fans are determined to ensure that their voices are heard and that HYBE ceases any actions that could negatively impact NewJeans.

The dispute between HYBE and ADOR, the label responsible for managing NewJeans, has intensified as fans grow increasingly concerned about the handling of the group’s information. Tensions escalated when allegations surfaced that HYBE, the parent company of ADOR, had leaked confidential details about NewJeans to media outlets like Dispatch.

Fans believe that this breach of trust undermines the group’s integrity and puts their privacy at risk. The conflict highlights the challenges within the management structure, where decisions by HYBE may not always align with ADOR’s interests, leading to growing dissatisfaction among the fanbase.

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NewJeans Express Outrage Over the Release of Trainee Videos

Dispatch’s recent release of unrevealed trainee videos has sparked significant backlash from the NewJeans members and their parents. The videos, which feature the group during their trainee days, were made public without consent, leading to accusations of privacy invasion and misinformation.

NewJeans and their parents are furious about the unauthorized release of trainee footage

On July 23, ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin refuted allegations that she had poached the NewJeans members from Source Music, labeling these claims as “false” and announcing plans for legal action. In a statement to Newsen, ADOR emphasized, “The reported information is false. We plan to take legal action against HYBE for providing edited personal messages and against the unauthorized release of trainee videos, as NewJeans members and their parents are outraged by this invasion of privacy.”

Earlier, Dispatch had released the trainee videos, asserting that Min Hee Jin had recruited the NewJeans members from Source Music. This incident marks the latest development in the ongoing feud between ADOR and HYBE. According to Min Hee Jin, she personally selected the NewJeans members, while HYBE maintains that the members were part of Source Music’s girl group project, ‘Team N.’

The release of these videos by Dispatch, showing Source Music’s Team N trainees, has further complicated the situation. NewJeans members and their parents are particularly upset by the dissemination of these personal and previously unseen videos, which they believe violate their privacy and misrepresent the facts.

NewJeans officially debuted in August 2022 under ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation. Their debut EP, “New Jeans,” quickly gained traction with hit singles like “Attention” and “Hype Boy,” showcasing their fresh take on K-Pop.

The ongoing dispute between ADOR and HYBE highlights the complexities of talent management and the importance of respecting personal boundaries in the entertainment industry. As the situation develops, fans and industry watchers alike are eager to see how this legal and public relations battle will unfold.

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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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‘Super Shy’ MV Becomes NewJeans 2nd Music Video To Hit 200M Views

NewJeans’ music video for their 2023 hit “Super Shy” MV has reached an impressive new milestone on YouTube! On July 23 at around 10 p.m. KST, the music video surpassed 200 million views. This makes it NewJeans’ second music video to achieve this feat, following their “‘OMG’ Official MV (Performance ver.1).”

‘Super Shy’ MV Reaches Major YouTube Milestone

The music video for “Super Shy” was first released on July 7, 2023, at 1 p.m. KST. Reaching 200 million views in just over a year and 16 days is a testament to the song’s enduring popularity and the group’s growing influence in the music industry. The achievement highlights NewJeans’ strong connection with their audience and the widespread appeal of their music.

“Super Shy” has been a significant success for NewJeans, marking another milestone in their career. The single previously earned two separate RIAJ platinum certifications for streaming. Both “Super Shy” and their title track “ETA” from their 2023 Korean mini-album “Get Up” achieved platinum status after surpassing 100 million streams each. This accomplishment underscores NewJeans’ strong fanbase and popularity in Japan, showcasing their international appeal.

NewJeans Set To Continue Succeeding In Their Career

“Super Shy” was released on July 7, 2023, and “ETA” followed on July 21 of the same year. Both tracks are part of NewJeans’ second EP, “Get Up,” which was also released on July 21, 2023. The songs quickly gained traction, resonating with audiences and solidifying NewJeans’ presence in the highly competitive music landscape.

The continued success of “Super Shy” and “ETA” demonstrates NewJeans’ ability to captivate listeners and maintain a strong presence in the industry. Their achievements are also a testament to their talent, hard work, and the support of their dedicated fans.

Congratulations to NewJeans on this remarkable achievement! At this point, the girl group is also expected to reach new milestones and continue with their success in an already successful career.

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British Band Shakatak Accuses NewJeans of Plagiarism

British band Shakatak is facing online backlash after accusing NewJeans’ song “Bubble Gum” of plagiarizing their 1981 hit “Easier Said Than Done.” According to an exclusive media report, Shakatak’s representatives accused ADOR of copyright infringement. However, ADOR’s Min Hee Jin denied the allegations and demanded a credible analysis report.

The accusation of plagiarism against NewJeans’ “Bubble Gum” by Shakatak has sparked significant online controversy

On July 19th, Shakatak announced that their publishing company, Wise Music Group, is handling the plagiarism case. They have employed a musicologist to investigate further and have sent a letter of claims. An exclusive media report on July 18, KST, detailed that Wise Music Group sent a Letter of Claim to multiple recipients, including ADOR, HYBE Labels, and the Korea Music Copyright Association.

The letter stated, “We have confirmed that ‘Bubble Gum,’ composed and written by 250, Oscar Bell, Sophie Simmons, and Gigi, uses components of ‘Easier Said Than Done’ by Shakatak without permission.” Wise Music Group demanded immediate actions, including halting the sale of “Bubble Gum.”

Additionally, Wise Music Group asked for a detailed account of all profits from “Bubble Gum,” a legal change in ownership, a seal, and compensation for damages. They provided a list of components they believe indicate copyright infringement.

ADOR responded, “This letter was received and answered by the law firm representing ‘Bubble Gum’s’ composers. We do not believe ‘Bubble Gum’ used Shakatak’s composition without permission. We have demanded Shakatak present a credible analytical report with clear evidence.”

Shakatak’s legal team has indicated they will forward an analytical report soon, but Wise Music Group has yet to take further action. Meanwhile, the online community has erupted with debates and discussions, with fans defending NewJeans and others scrutinizing the plagiarism claims. Both sides are awaiting the next steps, and the music community is closely watching how this situation will unfold.

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NewJeans Declines HYBE Exhibition Invitation Amid Controversy

NewJeans has declined the invitation to participate in the Grammy Museum’s ‘HYBE Exhibition,’ stirring controversy and speculation about internal conflicts within their management. The exhibition, which is set to run from August 2 to September 15, was supposed to feature a prominent display dedicated to NewJeans.

NewJeans’ absence from the Grammy Museum’s ‘HYBE Exhibition’ fuels attention to HYBE x ADOR dispute

The Grammy Museum offered NewJeans a central position in the exhibit, making them the first thing visitors would see. HYBE, the parent company, communicated this offer to ADOR, NewJeans’ label, expressing a strong desire for the group to be included. Despite this, ADOR declined the invitation, citing insufficient representation of NewJeans in the overall exhibition.

Additionally, this decision has led to widespread attention to the conflict between HYBE and ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. Fans and industry insiders have noticed NewJeans’ absence from recent HYBE events, including Weverse Con. While HYBE attributed NewJeans’ absence to their busy schedule and preparations for overseas activities, other artists managed to attend, leading to questions about ADOR’s cooperation with HYBE.

However, the controversy has not gone unnoticed. The public has continuously been pointing fingers at ADOR’s leadership for not supporting HYBE’s initiatives. HYBE responded to the situation by stating that the decision was made by the label, indicating that it was ADOR’s independent choice.

The ‘HYBE: We Believe In Music’ exhibition celebrates the history and achievements of HYBE and its artists. Despite the absence of NewJeans, the exhibition is expected to draw significant attention and highlight the contributions of other major HYBE artists.

In related news, Min Hee-jin is under investigation for embezzlement, intensifying public attention and the ADOR CEO’s dispute with HYBE. Sources close to the investigation report that Min Hee-jin faces thorough questioning about her handling of finances and particular transactions identified by HYBE’s internal audit team. However, her representatives argue that the company’s share structure prevents any possibility of a takeover and maintain that she has never engaged in embezzlement.

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NewJeans Hyein Returns to Perform ‘Supernatural’ After Injury

NewJeans, the rising K-pop sensation, made a grand return with their new single “Supernatural,” showcasing a five-member performance on KBS 2TV’s ‘Music Bank’ on July 12. This event marked a significant moment as NewJeans Hyein joined the stage after recovering from an injury, returning the group to its full strength.

NewJeans Hyein comes back onstage to debut a five-member performance of ‘Supernatural’ on KBS 2TV’s ‘Music Bank’ stage

Newjean’s performance of “Right Now” wows audiences with its flawless choreography and vocal power. Fans were thrilled to see the group back together as they delivered an electrifying performance.

Following their ‘Music Bank’ appearance, NewJeans is set to grace the stages of MBC’s ‘Show! Music Core’ on July 13 and SBS’s ‘Inkigayo’ on July 14. These performances will include not only their latest tracks but also a medley of their popular hits “ETA,” “OMG,” and “Hype Boy” from their previous albums.

This series of performances is especially meaningful as it will mark NewJeans Hyein appearing for the first music show since her injury. Her return has been eagerly anticipated, and her presence will reinforce the group’s bond and performance.

In their previous announcements, ADOR, the agency behind NewJeans, had emphasized their commitment to presenting a complete five-member performance on domestic music shows. Their dedication is evident in the intense preparation and energy they displayed on stage, which serves as a heartfelt thank you for the support they received since the group’s debut.

Since the release of “Supernatural” on June 21, NewJeans has actively engaged with fans through various fan meetings and appearances on Japanese music programs. Their promotions included performances on major shows like Fuji TV’s ‘Mezamashi TV’ and ‘Mezamashi 8,’ TV Asahi’s ‘Music Station,’ and Nihon TV’s ‘THE MUSIC DAY 2024.’ These appearances have solidified their popularity and showcased their impressive talent to a wider audience.

“Supernatural” has seen remarkable success, topping domestic music charts and achieving high ranks on global platforms such as Billboard in the U.S., Spotify Japan, and Apple Music Japan. The single has also recorded over 1 million copies in sales, making all five NewJeans releases million-sellers, a testament to their widespread appeal and enduring popularity.

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NewJeans Earns Platinum Certifications For Streaming In Japan

NewJeans has achieved platinum certifications in Japan, marking a significant milestone in their career. Two of their singles have surpassed 100 million streams in the country, a testament to their growing popularity and success.

NewJeans 2023 Singles Earn Platinum Certifications

The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) recently announced its latest batch of official certifications. In 2020, the RIAJ introduced a new certification system for online streaming of songs, adding to its existing systems for physical album shipments and digital download sales. Under this system, songs are certified silver once they reach 30 million streams, gold at 50 million streams, and platinum at 100 million streams.

This past month, NewJeans earned two separate RIAJ platinum certifications for streaming. Their pre-release single “Super Shy” and their title track “ETA” from their 2023 Korean mini album “Get Up” both achieved platinum status after surpassing 100 million streams each. This achievement underscores the widespread appeal and strong fanbase of NewJeans in Japan.

“Super Shy” was released on July 7, 2023, while “ETA” followed on July 21 of the same year. Both songs are featured on NewJeans’ second EP ‘Get Up,’ which was also released on July 21, 2023. The tracks have quickly gained traction, resonating with audiences and solidifying the group’s presence in the competitive music landscape.

The platinum certifications not only highlight the commercial success of “Super Shy” and “ETA” but also reflect NewJeans’ ability to connect with listeners across different regions. Their music, characterized by catchy melodies and engaging performances, also continues to captivate fans globally.

For NewJeans, this achievement is also a significant milestone, showcasing their rapid rise in the music industry. The group’s dedication to their craft and their ability to produce hit songs have also earned them recognition and acclaim. As they continue to grow their discography and fanbase, fans can also look forward to more exciting releases and achievements from NewJeans.

These platinum certifications are also a promising indicator of the group’s future potential and their capacity to influence the global music scene. Congratulations to NewJeans on their remarkable accomplishment!

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NewJeans Pop-Up Store Attracts Fans in Tokyo

Despite heavy rain, long lines of fans formed at the NewJeans ‘Super Natural’ pop-up store in the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo, on the 28th. The store opened on the 26th of last month and saw its pre-reservations fill up in just five minutes. Only those who successfully made pre-reservations could access the basement level, allowing fans to enjoy the experience comfortably with timed entries.

@shibuyanews

🐰ニュージーンズPOP UP渋谷公園通り LINE FRIENDS SQUARE 「NewJeans Supernatural POP-UP」渋谷公園通りは朝から大混雑! #ニュージーンズ #뉴진스 #newjeans #渋谷 #shibuya

♬ Supernatural – NewJeans

NewJeans fans eagerly lined up to experience the exclusive NewJeans pop-up in Shibuya

In the basement level, there’s a haven for “true NewJeans fans”. It features an approximately 40-pyeong (around 3.33 square meters) interactive media space with characters created in collaboration with Takashi Murakami. In the background, NewJeans’ song “Right Now” is playing. Hani’s voice saying, “Bunnies, have a great day today,” elicited constant exclamations of “Kawaii (cute)” from visitors. Although the space was not as big as other pop-ups, the layout was impressively efficient and accessible.

At the entrance, fans were welcomed with collaboration goods by Takashi Murakami, members’ autographs, and charming photo zones. According to the pop-up store staff, the most popular items were NewJeans T-shirts and hats, with the T-shirts selling out on the first day. The second basement level of the store was accessible without reservations. It offered practical goods like indoor slippers, eye masks, stationery, and pouches. It indicates that the store caters to a broader audience beyond just fan merchandise.

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NewJeans Supernatural pop-up store in Shibuya Japan! ニュージーンズ ポップアップ  6/30の14時の回の在庫 アパレル以外は結構ありました✨ B1のphoto booth は目立たないので、入場したら忘れずにcheck! 뉴진스 팝업 스토어 갔다 왔어요✨ Newjeans NJ X MURAKAMI 村上隆 #supernatural #newjeans #popup #kpopalbum #kpopunboxing #albumunboxing #howsweet #newjeansbunnies #kpop #kpopfyp #japantravel

♬ Supernatural – NewJeans

The prices were affordable, with NewJeans character T-shirts costing about 2,700 yen each and smaller items like pens and pouches often priced under 1,000 yen. On average, the prices of goods were around 20,000 won in Korean currency.

Even NewJeans’ fanbase in Korea and other neighboring countries booked flights just to buy goods from the pop-up store. Many of them noted that even non-fans will find cutesy items. One Korean tourist, in an online forum, said she bought bunny-themed products as gifts for her colleagues. Only one item per person per product was allowed to ensure as many people as possible could purchase NewJeans’ merchandise.

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