Conflict Between HYBE and ADOR's Min Hee-jin: Key Events and Analysis

1. The Beginning of Conflict: NewJeans Concept Copy Controversy

In early 2024, Min Hee-jin, CEO of ADOR, claimed that the concept, style, and choreography of ILLIT, a girl group under HYBE's subsidiary Belift 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 accusations.

2. HYBE Accuses Min Hee-jin of Attempted Takeover of ADOR

On April 22, 2024, HYBE, based on a whistleblower's report, accused Min Hee-jin of attempting to seize control of ADOR.
HYBE alleged that Min Hee-jin had been in contact with external investors and pressured HYBE to sell its stake in ADOR.
HYBE stated that it plans to file a criminal complaint against Min Hee-jin for breach of trust.

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

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

4. Key Issues

· Allegations of Attempted Takeover of Management Rights: HYBE claims that Min Hee-jin tried to seize control of ADOR in collaboration with outside investors.

Min Hee-jin's side denies this and claims that HYBE is attempting to suppress ADOR.

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

Min Hee-jin's side denies this.

· Personnel Requests (Nepotism): HYBE claims that Min Hee-jin made inappropriate personnel requests.

Min Hee-jin's side denies this.

· Allegations of Involvement with a Shaman/Spiritual Advisor: HYBE alleges that Min Hee-jin ran the company based on the advice of a shaman.

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

5. The Historic Press Conference that Turned Public Opinion

Regardless of the truth, many believe it was a truly historic press conference.

It was a public occasion where she should have provided clear explanations for the accusations, but Min's press conference was filled with gossip-like revelations and expletives, leading to controversy and criticism.

However, netizens who listened to her various statements in real-time, such as "I worked like a dog" or "If you're going to come at me, come ready to fight," felt her frustration as a worker who excels at her job but struggles with office politics, causing public opinion to shift 180 degrees.

Among journalists, many believed it was the most heated press conference since the 'Singer Na Hoon-ah Press Conference Incident' in 2008.

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

6. Reactions After the Press Conference

Support for Min Hee-jin: Following Min Hee-jin's press conference, some expressed their support for her.

Especially among those who were dissatisfied with HYBE, there were many voices praising her courageous actions.

However, her harsh language and certain remarks also caused controversy.

In particular, some expressed concerns that Min's press conference could lead to conflict between genders.

HYBE's Position: HYBE responded to Min Hee-jin's press conference by stating, "Stop lying and resign."

They also denied some of her claims and refuted the accusations that HYBE was suppressing ADOR.

7. Future Prospects

HYBE and Min Hee-jin's side are presenting conflicting arguments, and there is a high possibility that this will lead to legal disputes.

There are concerns that this conflict may also impact NewJeans' activities.

Ultimately, it is expected that a court decision will reveal who is telling the truth.

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