News Hybe/MHJ Civil War Megathread (1 Viewer)

[RandAlThor]

What's next for NewJeans after ultimatum to Ador?

In a formal legal notice sent Wednesday, K-pop girl group NewJeans issued an ultimatum to its agency, Ador, saying it would terminate its members' exclusive contracts if the group's demands were not met.

According to reports, the certification of content sent by the five NewJeans members — Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein — includes requests for the label to "rectify all material breaches of the exclusive contract within 14 days of receiving."

This includes a demand for Ador's former CEO, Min Hee-jin, to resume her former role overseeing Ador's management and NewJeans' overall production, as she did in the past.

"Bring Ador back to the time when NewJeans happily worked with Min until March 2024," the notice reportedly states. "We miss the NewJeans that was excited about creating new, creative music and performances with her."

This tension follows a power struggle between Ador's parent company, HYBE Labels, and former CEO Min, which began in April. The conflict escalated in August when HYBE unilaterally dismissed Min through Ador's board meeting, followed by a public demand by the five NewJeans members for Min's return in a surprise YouTube livestream in September.

The legal notice also reportedly includes a request for an official apology regarding bullying allegations made by member Hanni. In the September livestream, Hanni alleged that a manager for a K-pop group under another HYBE subsidiary instructed their artists to "ignore" her during an encounter within HYBE headquarters.

NewJeans additionally raised concerns about controversial internal HYBE reports, which previously sparked criticism for containing derogatory remarks about several active K-pop idols.

The group's notice demanded Ador address a statement from the report, "It would be easier to abandon NewJeans from the scene and start fresh," and identify who was responsible for the decision. They requested civil and criminal action if any illegal activity was discovered.

Further demands include the removal of videos and photos exposed without consent during the agency dispute, an assessment of losses NewJeans incurred due to HYBE's alleged "chart manipulation" tactics, resolution of issues arising from conflicts with director Shin Woo-seok — who has worked on the group's creative projects — and preservation of NewJeans' unique style and works.

The NewJeans members also addressed rumors involving their families, denying any connection to these rumors and vowing firm action against anyone spreading false information about them.

Ador noted Thursday that they have received NewJeans requests.

“We received the notice this morning and are currently reviewing it to understand the specific requests. We are committed to resolving this matter wisely so that we can continue working with the artist," the agency said.

While the HYBE-Ador conflict now risks evolving into a contractual dispute between NewJeans members and their agency, industry insiders see little hope for an amicable resolution, as both sides have failed to reach an agreement despite multiple public appeals and meetings.

Ha Seo-jeong, an attorney with Homes Law Firm, expressed concerns that NewJeans' desire to part ways with HYBE could be seen as a tampering attempt.

"Tampering generally refers to third parties trying to entice an athlete or artist from a company during their contract term. Since Min was CEO of both HYBE and Ador, this wouldn't be considered traditional tampering," she clarified.

However, she added, "If NewJeans' push for independence progresses, it could legally constitute tampering by Min's side."

Under standard contract terms, penalties are calculated by multiplying the monthly average revenue over the last two years by the remaining contract term, which for NewJeans could exceed 300 billion won ($213 million). The contract term between NewJeans and Ador is until 2029.

Despite the dispute, NewJeans plans to proceed with its scheduled activities, including a special performance at the 2024 Korea Grand Music Awards at Inspire Arena on Yeongjong Island, Incheon, slated for Saturday. Hanni will also perform as an opening act alongside actor Nam Ji-hyun, who will co-host the event.

Source: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2024/11/732_386387.html

i still think they are going to loose and the stupid "bullying " narrative needs to die. It makes her look like an entitled pain in the ass (which she probably is )

 

[Selfmate]

i still think they are going to loose and the stupid "bullying " narrative needs to die. It makes her look like an entitled pain in the ass (which she probably is )

ultimately that's going to be up to the courts

it's not about who wins or loses but the friends shamans we met on the way!!!

 

[velvet]

I don't understand what Hybe has to gain if Newjeans loses, they're just gonna keep them locked up if they win. What exactly is the harm from letting Newjeans go?

 

[velvet]

Since I didn't see it posted here

Leaked debut plans for ILLIT & NewJeans restart plagiarism suspicions, BELIFT denies - Asian Junkie

As promised here's more of the ongoing mess that's happening, which involves further evidence that I

www.asianjunkie.com

 

[LoveYooShaSha]

.....
it's not about who wins or loses but the friends shamans we met on the way!!!

Idk abt where u are, but shamanism Chinese occult/supernatural beliefs here are a quite mainstream part of local culture here, or so it seems to me at least. Fortune tellers in street shops are were quite normal if not patronised by everyone here or were at least for a long time until youngsters either dont believe or arent trained/apprenticed/professionally taking it up(i rmbr it being ard 20~or even 15 yrs ago tat i noticed them doing if not brisk trade at least holding on. I dont believe in their abilities at least not supernatural, watch the Mentalist for an explanation or some episodes of Agatha All Along for explicitly magical explanation which is ok for fantasy but i believe not irl).

Germany is the mainstream word here n in other parts of Asia/rest of the world n it's as ubiquitous as Astrology was in the west(or still is). Just tat younger generations like teens, twenties, maybe thirties or forties aren't into it but older generation(at least some not-skeptics) seem to lap up aspects of geomancy/feng shui/fortune telling.

To me geomancy is sthg I'm skeptical/don't believe in but ppl believe in it n if u know how it works: give free predictions (different ones) to a thousand believers who buy quick pick or 4/7 digit lottos every week(see an episode of poker face if no quick pick or 4digit/7digit lottos where u r). On average 1/2 win. Same again n rpt. If even 1 lucky person wins a fortune n says ur accurate fortune teller n gives u some say 5/10% winnings, you're golden.even more if ppl hear about u n start paying u being a lucky predictor u will hv ppl coming to u as long as ur reputation lasts or ppl still willing to take a chance on u. I believe the internet/young ppl not believing/buying lottos/going to fortune tellers is reason why they're disappearing not because they are seen as more fake than previously.or watch year end episodes of running man for scenes with fortune teller/shaman.it seems quite normal for 30sthg generation n above in south korea.

 

[LoveYooShaSha]

I don't understand what Hybe has to gain if Newjeans loses, they're just gonna keep them locked up if they win. What exactly is the harm from letting Newjeans go?

BangPD/HYBE/ADOR 2.0 ego/competition from NJ against LSFM/ILLIT, take ur pick.

 

[Abeamus]

I don't understand what Hybe has to gain if Newjeans loses, they're just gonna keep them locked up if they win. What exactly is the harm from letting Newjeans go?

Investors will be pissed if Hybe lets NewJeans walk since they are a really popular girl group at the end of the day and investors don't care about Hybes personal drama since they are just focused on their money.

 

[velvet]

Investors will be pissed if Hybe lets NewJeans walk since they are a really popular girl group at the end of the day and investors don't care about Hybes personal drama since they are just focused on their money.

Ah true, if lost there's a chance that investors will pressure hybe into promoting njs?

 

[Abeamus]

Ah true, if lost there's a chance that investors will pressure hybe into promoting njs?

Possible as if Hybe actually does nothing with them for ages then it's going to look suspicious and investors will start to wonder why they have this popular girl group that they aren't doing anything with. To which they have pretty much zero defense because the way around that usually if you want to phase out a group would be that they're old but not exactly an award winning excuse that'll work for NewJeans.

 

[Selfmate]

I don't understand what Hybe has to gain if Newjeans loses, they're just gonna keep them locked up if they win. What exactly is the harm from letting Newjeans go?

as I have said since day 1

$$$$$$$ or rather ₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩ lol

I doubt hybe or ador or BSH or MHJ would give two shits about NJ if they were some nugu or less successful group

also this sets a precent - if anybody can just demand to leave a company then it sets a precedent that other groups can also do the same (again not making any comment as it relates to the merits of NJ's claim per se)

 

[Selfmate]

Idk abt where u are, but shamanism Chinese occult/supernatural beliefs here are a quite mainstream part of local culture here, or so it seems to me at least. Fortune tellers in street shops are were quite normal if not patronised by everyone here or were at least for a long time until youngsters either dont believe or arent trained/apprenticed/professionally taking it up(i rmbr it being ard 20~or even 15 yrs ago tat i noticed them doing if not brisk trade at least holding on. I dont believe in their abilities at least not supernatural, watch the Mentalist for an explanation or some episodes of Agatha All Along for explicitly magical explanation which is ok for fantasy but i believe not irl).

Germany is the mainstream word here n in other parts of Asia/rest of the world n it's as ubiquitous as Astrology was in the west(or still is). Just tat younger generations like teens, twenties, maybe thirties or forties aren't into it but older generation(at least some not-skeptics) seem to lap up aspects of geomancy/feng shui/fortune telling.

To me geomancy is sthg I'm skeptical/don't believe in but ppl believe in it n if u know how it works: give free predictions (different ones) to a thousand believers who buy quick pick or 4/7 digit lottos every week(see an episode of poker face if no quick pick or 4digit/7digit lottos where u r). On average 1/2 win. Same again n rpt. If even 1 lucky person wins a fortune n says ur accurate fortune teller n gives u some say 5/10% winnings, you're golden.even more if ppl hear about u n start paying u being a lucky predictor u will hv ppl coming to u as long as ur reputation lasts or ppl still willing to take a chance on u. I believe the internet/young ppl not believing/buying lottos/going to fortune tellers is reason why they're disappearing not because they are seen as more fake than previously.or watch year end episodes of running man for scenes with fortune teller/shaman.it seems quite normal for 30sthg generation n above in south korea.

I know you're well meaning and all that my friend but I only made my comment as it relates to this particular case and how the shaman was instrumental in MHJ's decisions and whatnot lol

 

[Selfmate]

How much will NewJeans owe HYBE if they break the contract?

Amidst the news of NewJeans sending a certified letter to ADOR, warning that they would terminate their exclusive contracts if their demands were not met, Korean netizens have directed their attention to how much the group would need to pay if they terminated their contract.

The specific contract terms for NewJeans, who debuted in 2022, have not been disclosed. However, according to the standard exclusive contract guidelines set by the Fair Trade Commission, the penalty fee for contract termination is calculated by multiplying the monthly average revenue from the last two years by the number of months remaining in the contract.

According to previous reports, ADOR recorded sales of approximately 190 billion KRW (125.6 million USD) over the 24 months from the second half of 2022 to the first half of this year. Given that ADOR's revenue relies solely on NewJeans, this amount can effectively be considered as NewJeans' sales revenue. Based on the Fair Trade Commission's standard exclusive contract guidelines, the estimated penalty fee would exceed at least 300 billion KRW (~214.1 million USD).

Furthermore, if NewJeans were to operate independently, there is also the issue of having to forfeit their group name and related intellectual property (IP). Since ADOR and HYBE hold ownership of NewJeans' IP, the group would likely need to promote under a new name if they were to become independent. Ultimately, given the current circumstances, it appears that separating from HYBE would not be an easy feat for NewJeans.

Despite the high cost for the group to terminate their contract with HYBE, many Korean netizens are encouraging the group to leave the agency.

Korean netizens commented:

"The girls can pay 300 billion KRW and leave HYBE."
"The fees probably went up by now. It's going to be 900 billion KRW (~642.3 million USD)."
"That's so much."
"HYBE should be paying the fee because they didn't do their part."
"They won't pay the fees."
"Min Hee Jin's going to cut off NewJeans when she sees that amount."
"HYBE has to be paying that 300 billion KRW."
"That amount is impossible to pay."
"Please leave the company though."
"HYBE has no money. NewJeans and Min Hee Jin were the ones earning money for them."
"That's so much..."

Source: https://www.allkpop.com/article/2024/11/how-much-will-newjeans-owe-hybe-if-they-break-the-contract

 

[catonkatonk]

I think they will try to prove HYBE/Ador breached contract first. They may even have a case there, tbh.

 

[RandAlThor]

I don't understand what Hybe has to gain if Newjeans loses, they're just gonna keep them locked up if they win. What exactly is the harm from letting Newjeans go?

Competition, loss of intellectual property and its a horrid precedent to set going forward for the rest of the acts they own.

Ador is still finding work for them. the music is a mess true. that is multi factored. But once there is clarity over MJH then they can hire people to do it or she can act as producer. her days of ceo ect are over.

Right or wrong BHS feels he took her in, gave her everything she wanted and a sick deal. She stabbed him in the back even thinking about taking Ador , and made it 'public' talking to outside funding ppl.

 

[Selfmate]

I think they will try to prove HYBE/Ador breached contract first. They may even have a case there, tbh.

that's the aim

 

[Selfmate]

Min Hee-jin resigns as Ador internal director, parts ways with HYBE

By Pyo Kyung-min
Former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin officially announced her resignation as the label's internal director, Wednesday, marking her complete departure from HYBE Labels amid an escalating legal battle.

"Today, I am resigning as an internal director of Ador," Min said in a statement. "I am going to terminate the shareholders' agreement with HYBE and will hold the company legally accountable for breaches of the agreement. I also plan to take all necessary legal actions against the numerous unlawful acts committed by HYBE and its affiliates."

The resignation comes after months of conflict between Min and HYBE, starting in April when the entertainment giant accused her and Ador's management of embezzlement and attempting to seize control of the label. In response, Min claimed the dispute revolved around allegations that NewJeans, a group under Ador, had its concept plagiarized by another HYBE subsidiary.

HYBE then removed Min from her CEO position on Aug. 27, later retaining her as an internal director. On Oct. 30, the Ador board of directors ultimately rejected a proposal to reinstate Min as CEO.

"For over seven months, I have endured a nightmarish dispute with HYBE, which began with their illegal audit in April," Min stated. "I have made every effort to honor the shareholders' agreement and restore Ador to its former state before April. However, HYBE's refusal to acknowledge their wrongdoing and their unyielding stance left me no choice but to conclude that further efforts would be a waste of time."

Min also disclosed that she had sent two whistleblowing emails to HYBE in April, attempting to expose internal misconduct and protect NewJeans.

"I wanted HYBE to recognize its faults and worked tirelessly to shield NewJeans from the company's corruption," she said. She accused HYBE of framing her as a power-hungry executive in what she described as a "witch hunt," adding, "Their actions were ignorant and irrational, unbefitting a corporation of HYBE's size."

Min further alleged that HYBE had always been aware of the truth behind her whistleblowing but chose to ignore it in favor of profits and self-interest.

"The atrocities HYBE committed in 2024 will go down in K-pop history as unprecedented," she said. "This saga is not over, but I am deeply grateful to Bunnies (NewJeans' official fandom) and others who supported me through these past six months. I hope you'll continue to follow the new K-pop journey I plan to embark on."

Earlier this month, NewJeans intensified the standoff by sending a legal notice demanding Min's reinstatement as Ador CEO. The five NewJeans members warned of terminating their contracts if HYBE failed to comply, setting a 14-day deadline for the company to address the alleged violations.

This resignation announcement by Min's side has further fueled speculation that NewJeans may ultimately pursue contract termination and sever ties with HYBE.

Source: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2024/11/398_386748.html

 

[Selfmate]

Min Hee-jin 'still determined to take legal measures' against HYBE after leaving ADOR

Min Hee-jin is leaving NewJeans' agency ADOR and ending her contract with HYBE, but is "still determined to take legal measures against all of HYBE's illegalities," the former ADOR CEO said Wednesday.

The announcement comes seven months after HYBE began its internal audit against Min in April, accusing her of trying to get a third party to invest in ADOR and weaken HYBE's control over the company. The audit soon broke out into a legal spat between Min and HYBE, HYBE executives and HYBE's other subsidiaries including Belift Lab and Source Music.

"I have been trying to bring everything back to the way it was in April, to abide by the shareholder contract with HYBE and protect ADOR," Min said in a press release.

"But HYBE has not only failed to, but also seems to show no signs of admitting its wrongdoing. I have decided that it would be a waste of time to make any more efforts of this kind."

Min reiterated in her statement that it was the internal report she made in April regarding HYBE's treatment of girl group NewJeans and Belift Lab's alleged plagiarism of NewJeans' files, while making its own girl group ILLIT, that started the conflict. HYBE refused to give her an official answer but instead retaliated with an internal audit, according to Min.

"HYBE would have known that everything within the internal report was true, that they were just claims," Min said in the statement. "But their priority was evading the issue rather than solving the problem because all they cared about was their own well-being and profit.

"Looking back, I question myself for being so naive as to believe that they would at least have the minimum decency as a human being, even if they don't repent. But just as you're not alive just because you're breathing, I didn't want to go along with this twisted organization and settle."

Following the police reports made by HYBE and two other subsidiaries, Min was removed as the CEO of ADOR by the board members on Aug. 27 and was instead offered a three-year extension of her term as a member of the board on Sept. 25. Kim Ju-young, the executive HR officer of HYBE, replaced Min as the CEO.

"Even until recently, HYBE continued with its bullying and then offered me a contract full of unfair clauses," Min said. "[HYBE] forced me to agree to a forensic [investigation] and other incomprehensible conditions such as face-to-face meetings only, citing confidentiality clauses and denying to provide the files on paper."

Min ended her statement by expressing her gratitude toward NewJeans' fan club Bunnies, which has also been filing complaints and police reports against HYBE on behalf of the girl group and Min. She emphasized that she will not stop her battle with HYBE.

"The wrongdoing by HYBE in 2024 will remain as the single most atrocious chapter in the history of K-pop," Min said.

She closed by referring to a statement made by Bang Si-hyuk earlier on in the battle between the two.

"One person's evil intentions should not disrupt the essence of the industry. They are so bad," Min said.

Min had been taking steps toward resigning since early this month.

She notified HYBE that she would exercise her put option, an investor's right to sell their shares to the company upon demand, over her 18 percent share of ADOR.

The shareholder contract between Min and HYBE states that Min is able to sell her shares at three-quarters of ADOR's average total operating profit over the last two years, multiplied by 13. ADOR reported a 4 billion won operating deficit in 2022 ($2.9 million) and 35.5 billion won in operating profit in 2023, meaning that she will get 26 billion won in total if her put option is fully exercised.

The put option will be discussed in court, which has yet to make a decision on who is liable for breaching the contract.

On Nov. 13, NewJeans members demanded that ADOR bring back Min as CEO, stating that they will seek to have their exclusive contracts with the company terminated if their demands are not met by Nov. 27.

HYBE CEO Lee Jae-sang said that “calm and principled measures” would be taken after the group's livestream, reaffirming that the company would not go back on its decision to remove Min as CEO. Should the company continue its stance, then NewJeans could only resort to filing for an injunction on their exclusive contracts with ADOR.

HYBE has not received Min's resignation papers and has not made a statement as of Wednesday afternoon.

Source: https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.co...sures-against-HYBE-after-leaving-ADOR/2182175

 

[Selfmate]

ADOR Calls Min Hee-Jin's Resignation From HYBE 'A Pity' In Official Statement, Says THIS About NewJeans' Future

Min Hee-Jin resigned from ADOR amid disputes with HYBE, accusing them of illegal audits. ADOR has called her decision unfortunate.

After Min Hee-Jin resigned as its internal director, ADOR issued an official statement calling the ex-CEO's decision to quit HYBE a pity. In their statement, ADOR also spoke about their plans for the future of NewJeans. The major developments have shaken fans amid the ongoing HYBE vs Newjeans tussle.
Announcing that she is quitting ADOR, Min Hee-Jin wrote, "Over the past seven months, during a prolonged and distressing dispute with HYBE that began with illegal audits in April, I have done everything within my power to restore ADOR to its original state before April. Rather than showing remorse, HYBE fabricated baseless falsehoods, turning its shameful illegal audit into a public spectacle - a reckless and unprecedented act of foolishness."
She added, "I never expected them to repent, but I did hope for some basic human decency—a belief that now seems naïve. Although this incident is not yet resolved, I extend heartfelt gratitude to the fans, including NewJeans’ Bunnies, for their unwavering support over the past half year. No single individual’s malicious actions should tarnish the essence of an industry. It was truly deplorable."

ADOR reacts to Min Hee-Jin's resignation
Hours after Min Hee-Jin tendered her resignation, ADOR responded by calling it one-sided. They also added that they will continue to support NewJeans. "Here is ADOR’s statement on Director Min Hee Jin’s resignation. ADOR views Director Min’s one-sided announcement of her resignation as a pity. The company will do its best to provide support for NewJeans to grow and develop even more," read ADOR's statement, as reported by Koreaboo.
However, following Min Hee-Jin's resignation, NewJeans' future with ADOR and HYBE hangs in uncertainty.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/entert...-this-about-newjeans-future-article-115483647

 

[RandAlThor]

if it works this will be crazy.
The whole thing started because hybe suspected her of trying to basically steal new jeans.
now she is a good way down that path, and will be successful if she and the group win out.

Any way it goes it will be a great lesson for MBA, contract and PR students in the future.

I still think It was hitman who f it up at the start. he should have fired her for not doing her job at source. instead he gave her a label and trainees for free. and ofc f over gfriend.

i do love how mhj gets to skate on her part in that with nj fans sayin g g friend likes the nj girls lol...


ofc worst case for her is she quit and ador keeps NJ. no one is happy and she is buried in legal fees.
NJ has a cb in late 25/26 after they find a new creative team.

 

[Selfmate]

if it works this will be crazy.
The whole thing started because hybe suspected her of trying to basically steal new jeans.
now she is a good way down that path, and will be successful if she and the group win out.

Any way it goes it will be a great lesson for MBA, contract and PR students in the future.

I still think It was hitman who f it up at the start. he should have fired her for not doing her job at source. instead he gave her a label and trainees for free. and ofc f over gfriend.

i do love how mhj gets to skate on her part in that with nj fans sayin g g friend likes the nj girls lol...


ofc worst case for her is she quit and ador keeps NJ. no one is happy and she is buried in legal fees.
NJ has a cb in late 25/26 after they find a new creative team.

well in addition to the mirad of other legal issues the three most important ones are

1. can MHJ exercise her put option and collect her money which is estimated to be hundreds of millions of dollars
2. whether NJ can terminate their contracts at ador and for how much
3. whether MHJ will be willing to buyout NJ contracts from ador (including the rights to the name and discography) etc etc