1. The Beginning of the Conflict: NewJeans's Concept Copying Controversy

In early 2024, Min Hee-jin, CEO of HYBE's subsidiary Belif Lab, claimed that the concept, style, and choreography of ILLIT, a girl group under Belif Lab, were too similar to NewJeans, leading to a conflict with Bang Si-hyuk, CEO of HYBE.
Min Hee-jin raised concerns about ILLIT's alleged concept copying to HYBE, but HYBE denied the claims.

2. HYBE Accuses Min Hee-jin of Attempting to Seize Control of ADOR

On April 22, 2024, HYBE, citing information from a whistleblower, accused Min Hee-jin of attempting to seize control of ADOR.
HYBE alleged that Min Hee-jin had contacted external investors and pressured HYBE to sell its stake in ADOR.
HYBE stated that they plan to file a criminal complaint against Min Hee-jin for breach of trust.

3. Min Hee-jin Denies HYBE's Claims and Counterattacks

Min Hee-jin's side denied HYBE's claims and countered that NewJeans was actually the victim of copying by ILLIT.
Min Hee-jin accused HYBE of being jealous of NewJeans's success and attempting to suppress ADOR.
Min Hee-jin held a press conference on April 25, 2024, to officially address the situation.

4. Key Issues

· Allegations of Seizing Control: HYBE claims that Min Hee-jin attempted to seize control of ADOR by collaborating with external investors.

Min Hee-jin's side denies these allegations and claims that HYBE is trying to suppress ADOR.

· Leakage of Business Secrets: HYBE claims that Min Hee-jin leaked ADOR's business secrets.

Min Hee-jin's side denies these allegations.

· Requests for Personnel Appointments: HYBE claims that Min Hee-jin made inappropriate requests for personnel appointments.

Min Hee-jin's side denies these allegations.

· Allegations of Being Coached by a Shaman: HYBE claims that Min Hee-jin relied on a shaman's advice for company management.

Min Hee-jin denies these allegations and states that the shaman is simply an acquaintance.

5. A Historic Press Conference That Turned Public Opinion Around

Regardless of the truth, many agree that it was a historic press conference.

While it should have been a public platform to address the accusations, Min's press conference was filled with backbiting revelations and profanity, leading to controversy and criticism.

However, netizens who listened in real-time to Min's numerous pronouncements like "I worked like a dog" and "If you're coming in, come in head-on" responded with, "She seems like an employee who's good at work but bad at office politics," and public opinion swung 180 degrees.

Many journalists believe it was one of the most heated press conferences since the "Singer Na Hoon-ah press conference incident" in 2008.

The T-shirt and hat she wore sold out, and numerous parodies and memes were created within a day.

6. Reactions After the Press Conference

Support for Min: Following Min's press conference, some individuals expressed support for her.

This support was particularly strong among those dissatisfied with HYBE, who admired Min's courageous actions.

However, Min's harsh language and some of her statements also caused controversy.

Some expressed concern that Min's press conference could escalate into a gender-based conflict.

HYBE's Stance: HYBE responded to Min's press conference by stating, "We urge her to stop lying and resign."

HYBE also denied some of Min's claims and refuted the allegation that HYBE had suppressed ADOR.

7. Future Prospects

HYBE and Min Hee-jin's sides are presenting conflicting arguments, and a legal dispute is highly likely.

Concerns have been raised that NewJeans's activities may be affected.

It is expected that the court's verdict will ultimately reveal who is telling the truth.

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