Hybe, the parent company of NewJeans’ label Ador, is under increasing scrutiny as fans of the popular girl group rally against the company’s handling of promotional activities and internal issues. NewJeans’ dedicated fanbase, known as Bunnies, has announced plans to file a formal complaint against Hybe’s top executives for an alleged breach of trust, amid growing concerns about the company's public relations strategy and treatment of the group.
At the heart of the conflict is a leaked audio recording, revealed in July, where a Hybe PR officer is heard downplaying NewJeans' success in Japan during a conversation with a local reporter. The officer allegedly minimized the group’s achievements and suggested that the group's debut had not been as successful as perceived. This has sparked outrage among fans, who accuse Hybe of failing to adequately support NewJeans’ growth and achievements, instead casting the group in a negative light.
The tension has escalated, with approximately 5,000 NewJeans fans signing a letter demanding that Ador’s current CEO, Kim Ju-young, take immediate action against Hybe’s PR team. Fans are also calling for the reinstatement of former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, who is credited with much of NewJeans’ early success. The letter accuses Hybe of undermining the group and demands that CEO Kim address the issue publicly to safeguard NewJeans’ reputation.
Adding to the pressure, NewJeans member Hanni may be called as a witness at the upcoming National Assembly audit on October 25. The Environment and Labor Committee has passed a motion requesting her appearance to discuss workplace harassment she mentioned during a YouTube live broadcast on September 11. In the broadcast, Hanni alluded to an incident where she was ignored by a celebrity after greeting them in the hallway of Hybe’s headquarters, following instructions from the celebrity’s manager. This revelation prompted fans to file a formal complaint with the Ministry of Employment and Labor.
Hanni’s potential testimony, alongside that of Ador CEO Kim Ju-young, could shine a light on internal issues at Hybe. The National Assembly will likely question Kim regarding the company’s response to workplace harassment and its handling of internal grievances. While Hanni has the option to submit a written statement if she has a justifiable reason to avoid attending the audit, Kim may face legal consequences if her reason for nonattendance is deemed insufficient by the committee.
The PR controversy and potential legal issues come at a crucial time for NewJeans, as the group enters its third year amid rapid growth. Fans have voiced concerns over halted plans for fan meetings and a delayed album release, both of which had been scheduled under former CEO Min Hee-jin’s leadership. These delays, they argue, could result in significant financial losses for Ador, amounting to hundreds of billions of won.
Fans accuse Hybe’s leadership, including Ador’s new CEO, of jeopardizing the group’s trajectory. “This is a critical period for NewJeans as they continue to grow,” the fans emphasized in their letter. They argue that Hybe’s mishandling of promotions and internal issues could undermine the group’s potential, both commercially and artistically.
In response to the mounting criticism, Hybe and Ador have remained largely silent, declining to comment on the situation. However, with increasing pressure from fans and the looming National Assembly audit, Hybe may soon be forced to address the growing discontent surrounding its management of NewJeans.
As NewJeans continues to rise in the K-pop industry, the unfolding controversy serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that come with managing high-profile artists. The group's future success may depend on Hybe’s ability to resolve these internal conflicts and refocus on supporting NewJeans’ long-term growth.
Sayart / ReaA JUNG, queen7203@gmail.com
NewJeans, Courtesy of Ador
Hybe, the parent company of NewJeans’ label Ador, is under increasing scrutiny as fans of the popular girl group rally against the company’s handling of promotional activities and internal issues. NewJeans’ dedicated fanbase, known as Bunnies, has announced plans to file a formal complaint against Hybe’s top executives for an alleged breach of trust, amid growing concerns about the company's public relations strategy and treatment of the group.
At the heart of the conflict is a leaked audio recording, revealed in July, where a Hybe PR officer is heard downplaying NewJeans' success in Japan during a conversation with a local reporter. The officer allegedly minimized the group’s achievements and suggested that the group's debut had not been as successful as perceived. This has sparked outrage among fans, who accuse Hybe of failing to adequately support NewJeans’ growth and achievements, instead casting the group in a negative light.
The tension has escalated, with approximately 5,000 NewJeans fans signing a letter demanding that Ador’s current CEO, Kim Ju-young, take immediate action against Hybe’s PR team. Fans are also calling for the reinstatement of former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, who is credited with much of NewJeans’ early success. The letter accuses Hybe of undermining the group and demands that CEO Kim address the issue publicly to safeguard NewJeans’ reputation.
Adding to the pressure, NewJeans member Hanni may be called as a witness at the upcoming National Assembly audit on October 25. The Environment and Labor Committee has passed a motion requesting her appearance to discuss workplace harassment she mentioned during a YouTube live broadcast on September 11. In the broadcast, Hanni alluded to an incident where she was ignored by a celebrity after greeting them in the hallway of Hybe’s headquarters, following instructions from the celebrity’s manager. This revelation prompted fans to file a formal complaint with the Ministry of Employment and Labor.
Hanni’s potential testimony, alongside that of Ador CEO Kim Ju-young, could shine a light on internal issues at Hybe. The National Assembly will likely question Kim regarding the company’s response to workplace harassment and its handling of internal grievances. While Hanni has the option to submit a written statement if she has a justifiable reason to avoid attending the audit, Kim may face legal consequences if her reason for nonattendance is deemed insufficient by the committee.
The PR controversy and potential legal issues come at a crucial time for NewJeans, as the group enters its third year amid rapid growth. Fans have voiced concerns over halted plans for fan meetings and a delayed album release, both of which had been scheduled under former CEO Min Hee-jin’s leadership. These delays, they argue, could result in significant financial losses for Ador, amounting to hundreds of billions of won.
Fans accuse Hybe’s leadership, including Ador’s new CEO, of jeopardizing the group’s trajectory. “This is a critical period for NewJeans as they continue to grow,” the fans emphasized in their letter. They argue that Hybe’s mishandling of promotions and internal issues could undermine the group’s potential, both commercially and artistically.
In response to the mounting criticism, Hybe and Ador have remained largely silent, declining to comment on the situation. However, with increasing pressure from fans and the looming National Assembly audit, Hybe may soon be forced to address the growing discontent surrounding its management of NewJeans.
As NewJeans continues to rise in the K-pop industry, the unfolding controversy serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that come with managing high-profile artists. The group's future success may depend on Hybe’s ability to resolve these internal conflicts and refocus on supporting NewJeans’ long-term growth.
