News Hybe/MHJ Civil War Megathread (38 Viewers)

[Abeamus]

lol just read something that said after termination a person only has 15 days.
That time has passed so she could be deported.

Or they take it to court and immigration court decides for whom she is working atm..

Either way its pretty clear that right now she is still an Ador employee/contractor since immigration is not knocking on her door. which would imply the other 4 are also.

Yeah I saw that her visa would run out on the 13th if her contract is invalid but I'm not sure they'll deport her before the case is done since Ador is saying the contract is valid.

I see this forcing Hanni and NewJeans to take a solid stance sooner rather than later so it'll end them having their cake and eating it too.

 

[velvet]

So Tag PR (the PR firm who smeared Blake Lively's name) is owned by Scoot Braun and Hybe has a large stake in the company. It's not known if NJs has been smeared from these guys but reading this blog I think it's to be considered.

HYBE subsidiary TAG PR under fire in Hollywood, their involvement in Min Hee Jin conflict scrutinized - Asian Junkie

Okay, so I still have to do a HYBE/ADOR catchup post -- that I'm putting off because I missed too mu

www.asianjunkie.com

 

[Abeamus]

So Tag PR (the PR firm who smeared Blake Lively's name) is owned by Scoot Braun and Hybe has a large stake in the company. It's not known if NJs has been smeared from these guys but reading this blog I think it's to be considered.

HYBE subsidiary TAG PR under fire in Hollywood, their involvement in Min Hee Jin conflict scrutinized - Asian Junkie

Okay, so I still have to do a HYBE/ADOR catchup post -- that I'm putting off because I missed too mu

www.asianjunkie.com

I wouldn't entertain the idea of Hybe smearing NewJeans because every action they've put out publicly is the act of a company trying to protect their investment so it'd be massively counterproductive if they were damaging NewJeans reputation under the table as putting information out there is one thing but undoing is another whole thing that they couldn't be sure about.

I'd consider the possibility of them smear campaigning Min Heejin but even if you remove the potential Hybe PR and she still does not come across well just looking at the kind of thing she had in her own home and the kind of relationship she has with the girls is not in any way professional which makes it extremely suspicious of her character.

 

[Selfmate]

Ador to sue manager for direct brand negotiations with NewJeans

HYBE’s Ador, the label managing K-pop girl group NewJeans, plans to file criminal charges against the group’s manager for breach of duty, alleging unauthorized dealings with global luxury brands.

The manager, currently on leave, is accused of bypassing Ador’s protocols by directly pursuing advertising contracts for NewJeans without notifying the label. Ador intervened to halt the negotiations and has confirmed its intent to pursue legal action, citing the manager’s actions as a violation of company policy.

The case comes amid broader tensions between NewJeans and Ador. The group, under exclusive contract with the label until July 31, 2029, recently launched its own social media account, “jeanzforfree,” raising speculation about a potential break from the agency. Posts on the account have featured photos directed by former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, further fueling rumors of independent activities.

Reports have also linked NewJeans to South Korean telecommunications equipment company DAVOLINK, with claims that member Hyein’s uncle approached the company in September seeking a 5 billion won ($3.8 million) investment. Allegations suggest the uncle facilitated meetings between Min and DAVOLINK executives, who were reportedly considering transferring control of the company to Min to develop it into an entertainment agency.

While DAVOLINK had earlier announced plans to promote K-pop content globally, its stock dropped sharply after Min denied any involvement, stating no discussions or agreements had taken place.

Under South Korea’s standardized entertainment contracts, artists are required to conduct activities exclusively through their agencies. Any independent actions, including those facilitated by family members, could breach contractual obligations and lead to penalties or lawsuits.

Hanni, an Australian-Vietnamese member of NewJeans, could also face challenges. Foreign artists in South Korea must hold an E-6 visa, sponsored by a registered entertainment agency. Switching agencies would require a new sponsor, potentially complicating her ability to continue working in the country.

The situation has drawn scrutiny within the entertainment industry as a potential “tampering” case, where artists negotiate with other entities before their contracts expire. The Korea Music Content Association urged all parties to respect the legal framework governing exclusive contracts.

“We call on Min Hee-jin to clarify her position and encourage NewJeans to engage in constructive discussions with their label or await the court’s decision if an agreement cannot be reached,” the association said in a statement.

Source: https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2024/12/23/BWTYU7XMINAF5KB7IHREHQNRWY/

 

[RandAlThor]

Ador to sue manager for direct brand negotiations with NewJeans

HYBE’s Ador, the label managing K-pop girl group NewJeans, plans to file criminal charges against the group’s manager for breach of duty, alleging unauthorized dealings with global luxury brands.

The manager, currently on leave, is accused of bypassing Ador’s protocols by directly pursuing advertising contracts for NewJeans without notifying the label. Ador intervened to halt the negotiations and has confirmed its intent to pursue legal action, citing the manager’s actions as a violation of company policy.

The case comes amid broader tensions between NewJeans and Ador. The group, under exclusive contract with the label until July 31, 2029, recently launched its own social media account, “jeanzforfree,” raising speculation about a potential break from the agency. Posts on the account have featured photos directed by former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, further fueling rumors of independent activities.

Reports have also linked NewJeans to South Korean telecommunications equipment company DAVOLINK, with claims that member Hyein’s uncle approached the company in September seeking a 5 billion won ($3.8 million) investment. Allegations suggest the uncle facilitated meetings between Min and DAVOLINK executives, who were reportedly considering transferring control of the company to Min to develop it into an entertainment agency.

While DAVOLINK had earlier announced plans to promote K-pop content globally, its stock dropped sharply after Min denied any involvement, stating no discussions or agreements had taken place.

Under South Korea’s standardized entertainment contracts, artists are required to conduct activities exclusively through their agencies. Any independent actions, including those facilitated by family members, could breach contractual obligations and lead to penalties or lawsuits.

Hanni, an Australian-Vietnamese member of NewJeans, could also face challenges. Foreign artists in South Korea must hold an E-6 visa, sponsored by a registered entertainment agency. Switching agencies would require a new sponsor, potentially complicating her ability to continue working in the country.

The situation has drawn scrutiny within the entertainment industry as a potential “tampering” case, where artists negotiate with other entities before their contracts expire. The Korea Music Content Association urged all parties to respect the legal framework governing exclusive contracts.

“We call on Min Hee-jin to clarify her position and encourage NewJeans to engage in constructive discussions with their label or await the court’s decision if an agreement cannot be reached,” the association said in a statement.

Source: https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2024/12/23/BWTYU7XMINAF5KB7IHREHQNRWY/

it seems to be coming unraveled.

 

[Abeamus]

I'm curious if there will be any response to the visa situation since I would have thought they'd do it today if they were going to as the further away we get from the initial story I think the higher the chances go of them trying to ignore it since I think if the plan is just for Hanni to go back to home then I can see them losing a lot of support as there's no good way to really spin that when Hybe has said they're preparing to address it.

 

[RandAlThor]

i was talking about DBSK/JYJ and this thought kind of crystalized.

SM takes the hit for the black list. But i have long felt it was the industry its self who did it.
Most agencies were using the exact same contract as given from the government. The industry ppl read it (like i do ) as they wanted that Japan cosmetics deal and found a way to break the contract and cause chaos.

New Jeans is heading full speed for the same cliff. Hybe will not have to do anything the industry will black list em in Korea. and Hybe will take the pr hit.

 

[Abeamus]

i was talking about DBSK/JYJ and this thought kind of crystalized.

SM takes the hit for the black list. But i have long felt it was the industry its self who did it.
Most agencies were using the exact same contract as given from the government. The industry ppl read it (like i do ) as they wanted that Japan cosmetics deal and found a way to break the contract and cause chaos.

New Jeans is heading full speed for the same cliff. Hybe will not have to do anything the industry will black list em in Korea. and Hybe will take the pr hit.

Maybe in theory however I'd be shocked if NewJeans leave Hybe as NewJeans side just seems to think that they can ignore the law and get the result they want which I don't see happening especially with the lack of address for Hannis visa and I don't expect them to answer it without another update from Hybe now.

 

[Abeamus]

Hybe was cleared of all potential wrongdoing in the worker death case that Min Heejin tried to use against them so another loss for their side.

 

[RandAlThor]

Hybe was cleared of all potential wrongdoing in the worker death case that Min Heejin tried to use against them so another loss for their side.

its not looking good.

 

[Selfmate]

anything major during my two weeks awolness or did the civil war call a ceasefire?

 

[RandAlThor]

anything major during my two weeks awolness or did the civil war call a ceasefire?

Just the agency ruling that Hybe was still a great company to work for Ie one of the top 100 and that hanni was full of shit. :)

Employment ministry clears HYBE of accident cover-up, retains top status

Employment ministry clears HYBE of accident cover-up, retains top status

biz.chosun.com

oh and there we lots of report of NJ being assholes to Illit at year end/award shows

 

[Selfmate]

Just the agency ruling that Hybe was still a great company to work for Ie one of the top 100 and that hanni was full of shit. :)

Employment ministry clears HYBE of accident cover-up, retains top status

Employment ministry clears HYBE of accident cover-up, retains top status

biz.chosun.com

oh and there we lots of report of NJ being assholes to Illit at year end/award shows

that is drama I missed lol

common mate don't let me be the only person that posts news on this thread - sharing is caring

 

[Selfmate]

Former Ador CEO Min Hee Jin faces defamation lawsuit settlement hearing amid allegations by ex-employee

A mediation session regarding the defamation lawsuit filed against former Ador CEO Min Hee Jin is scheduled to take place today (6th).

The lawsuit, brought by a former Ador employee, seeks approximately 100 million KRW ($75,000 USD) in damages for defamation and false allegations. The former employee accuses Min Hee Jin of secondary harm after being sexually assaulted by former Ador Vice President A.

It is reported that the former employee would be willing to settle if Min Hee Jin admits her wrongdoing and offers a formal apology. As public attention focuses on whether Min Hee Jin will attend and apologize, her side has yet to make any statements on the matter.



Attorney Jeon Hyeong-hye, legal representative of the former employee stated, "We are not seeking monetary compensation, but rather Min Hee Jin to acknowledge her mistakes and offer an apology. It would be difficult to reach a financial settlement."

The results of these labor office investigations are expected to be announced later this month.

Source: https://www.allkpop.com/article/202...ement-hearing-amid-allegations-by-ex-employee

 

[RandAlThor]

that is drama I missed lol

common mate don't let me be the only person that posts news on this thread - sharing is caring

abe brought it up but neither of us posted it our bad.

 

[Selfmate]

Davolink chairman says he discussed founding new company to sign NewJeans with Min Hee-jin

A company executive says he met with former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin to discuss investment opportunities for founding a new company aimed at signing NewJeans.

Park Jung-kyu, chairman of networking terminal equipment manufacturer Davolink, told local media outlet Ten Asia on Thursday that he had a three-hour conversation with Min regarding investment. He expressed disbelief when she later denied the discussion.

“Min is lying,” Park said. “We talked for three hours about investment and strategies to secure NewJeans.”

On April 22, 2024, HYBE accused Min of attempting to take control of the company by involving a third-party investor, leading to her removal as ADOR’s CEO on Aug. 27, 2024. The key issue centered around allegations of her engagement with external investors.

“On a Sunday near the end of August last year, I was playing golf when I received a call from an acquaintance,” Park said. “He asked me to invest 5 billion won ($3.43 million) in the former CEO, but I declined.”

“The next day, I proposed structuring a deal to acquire my company, Davolink, instead. It was a business decision to ensure my own profit,” he added.

Min publicly denied the claims on Nov. 5, 2024, stating that she had not met with external parties and had no intentions of interfering with NewJeans.

“I’m sure Min knew what was being discussed,” Park said. “I even heard her on the phone, asking if the discussion went well.”

According to Park, he and Min met on Sept. 30 at his residence, accompanied by another individual. Photos reportedly taken during the meeting were later shared by local news outlet Dispatch on Dec. 2, reigniting speculation about third-party investment dealings.

Following the emergence of rumors, Davolink’s stock prices fluctuated, causing Park significant financial losses.

“The purpose of the meeting was to discuss how to transfer ownership of Davolink and secure the necessary funding,” Park said.

Park further claimed that Min directly discussed plans to take NewJeans with her. He also alleged that Min expressed dissatisfaction with HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, referring to him as “the fat moron.”

The talks between Park and Min ultimately failed due to disagreements over the investment structure.

On April 26, 2024, HYBE filed a criminal complaint against Min for breach of fiduciary duty. The investigation is ongoing, based on evidence gathered during an internal audit by HYBE. Min’s legal team, however, insists there is no concrete evidence of criminal activity.

Source: https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.co...-NewJeans-with-Min-Heejin/2218759?detailWord=

 

[Selfmate]

Former Ador CEO accused of trying to poach NewJeans

Already facing multiple lawsuits involving subsidiaries of HYBE Labels, former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin is now accused of attempting to poach NewJeans, a globally popular girl group she helped create.

Allegations of Min's poaching attempts surfaced Thursday, when Chairman Park Jung-kyu of tech company Davolink claimed in an interview with a local media outlet that he had discussed "tampering" with the ex-CEO during a meeting last year.

Tampering, a term originating in the sports world in Korea, refers to the practice of contacting individuals affiliated with rival organizations to recruit them — a move often considered unethical or illegal.

The allegations are connected to rumors that surfaced last November, suggesting that Min and the members of NewJeans were planning to sign new exclusive contracts supported by investments from the tech company. At the time, Min denied the claims, calling the allegations "entirely false."

However, in the interview released 0n Thursday, Park described Min's denial as a "blatant lie," claiming that the two had a three-hour meeting to discuss investment opportunities and strategies to lure NewJeans away from Ador.

According to Park, Min approached him last August seeking investments. He claimed that during a meeting at his home in September, Min asked if she could "take NewJeans with her." Park allegedly advised her that "it might be possible if she left Ador and the company's value declined."

In fact, Min resigned as Ador's board director in November and left HYBE shortly thereafter. Later that month, the five NewJeans members held an emergency press conference to announce the termination of their exclusive contracts with Ador.

Despite the announcement, reports have suggested that differences in investment strategies prevented Min and Davolink from moving forward together.

If proven true, Min's alleged actions could be seen as a breach of her duties while at Ador. Initiating discussions with outside investors about transferring NewJeans while still serving as a director might violate corporate regulation.

Park also revealed in the interview that Min used disparaging language during their conversation, particularly about HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk. He claimed that Min referred to Bang as a "pig," even though it was their first meeting.

Min currently faces her first court hearing on Friday in a lawsuit filed by HYBE subsidiaries Belift Lab and Source Music.

Belift Lab, home to rookie girl group ILLIT, accused Min of defamation and obstruction of business activities after she claimed that the group had copied NewJeans' concept. Source Music, the company behind Le Sserafim, also filed a lawsuit over Min's allegations that it had plagiarized the ex-CEO's strategies for launching girl groups.

The future of NewJeans equally remains uncertain, as the group concluded its official schedule with Ador on Jan. 5 after attending the 39th Golden Disc Awards.

Following their November emergency press conference declaring unilateral contract termination, the five members have since refrained from using their group name, while launching a new social media account in an independent move.

In response, Ador filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court in December to confirm the validity of its exclusive contracts with the five members, asserting that the agreements remain legally binding.

Source: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2025/01/398_390086.html

 

[RandAlThor]

NJ are so screwed. And MJH is going to pay.

 

[Selfmate]

Belift Lab And Min Hee Jin Participate In First Trial — Here Is An Overview

On January 10, 2025, the first trial session for Belift Lab’s lawsuit against former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin opened. Belift Lab had demanded ₩2.00 billion KRW (about $1.37 million USD) in damages. On the same day, the first trial for Source Music’s lawsuit against Min, seeking ₩500 million KRW (about $343,000 USD) in damages also took place.

Belift Lab’s lawyer stated that Min Hee Jin “targeted ILLIT, a group that had freshly debuted, and made statements that caused significant harm, regardless of the truth.” They compared K-Pop to Taekwondo’s poomsae, claiming that “there are established patterns and depending on how an individual performs the movements, it can be evaluated as different. Similarly, in K-Pop choreography, there are bound to the repeated movements which is natural in the industry. What is important is that each group showcases their individuality to appeal to the audience, but Min wrongfully claimed that these movements were her own.”

Belift Lab’s lawyer further claimed that Min Hee Jin was “malicious,” and tried to attack other groups “as part of internal promotion strategies.” Min’s lawyer hit back, responding that it was not targeted harassment, but objective facts. They claimed that “ILLIT debuted 8 months after NewJeans, and since ILLIT’s debut, there have been continuous allegations of plagiarism. While Min tried to resolve it internally through her email, HYBE conducted an illegal audit instead. As a result, Min had no choice but to speak out publicly and hold a press conference, raising the issue to bring it to public attention.”

They continued that the provided materials would already confuse the court as to who is ILLIT and who is NewJeans. Min’s plan was also allegedly leaked before Belift Lab’s plans were finalized. Considering these, Min’s lawyer concluded that Min did not defame ILLIT, but had simply raised the issue in public interest.

Belift Lab’s lawyer countered that Min had “malicious intent to target a potential competitor that had not yet formed a strong fanbase.”

The judge concluded that there was “a need to determine whether Min made fact-based statements, and whether the judgement standard should be based on experts or the public.”

The trial will be continued in multiple sessions. Stay tuned for updates.

Source: https://www.koreaboo.com/news/belift-min-hee-jin-first-trial-plagiarism-update/
Original Source: https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/108/0003295263

 

[RandAlThor]

Belift Lab And Min Hee Jin Participate In First Trial — Here Is An Overview

On January 10, 2025, the first trial session for Belift Lab’s lawsuit against former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin opened. Belift Lab had demanded ₩2.00 billion KRW (about $1.37 million USD) in damages. On the same day, the first trial for Source Music’s lawsuit against Min, seeking ₩500 million KRW (about $343,000 USD) in damages also took place.

Belift Lab’s lawyer stated that Min Hee Jin “targeted ILLIT, a group that had freshly debuted, and made statements that caused significant harm, regardless of the truth.” They compared K-Pop to Taekwondo’s poomsae, claiming that “there are established patterns and depending on how an individual performs the movements, it can be evaluated as different. Similarly, in K-Pop choreography, there are bound to the repeated movements which is natural in the industry. What is important is that each group showcases their individuality to appeal to the audience, but Min wrongfully claimed that these movements were her own.”

Belift Lab’s lawyer further claimed that Min Hee Jin was “malicious,” and tried to attack other groups “as part of internal promotion strategies.” Min’s lawyer hit back, responding that it was not targeted harassment, but objective facts. They claimed that “ILLIT debuted 8 months after NewJeans, and since ILLIT’s debut, there have been continuous allegations of plagiarism. While Min tried to resolve it internally through her email, HYBE conducted an illegal audit instead. As a result, Min had no choice but to speak out publicly and hold a press conference, raising the issue to bring it to public attention.”

They continued that the provided materials would already confuse the court as to who is ILLIT and who is NewJeans. Min’s plan was also allegedly leaked before Belift Lab’s plans were finalized. Considering these, Min’s lawyer concluded that Min did not defame ILLIT, but had simply raised the issue in public interest.

Belift Lab’s lawyer countered that Min had “malicious intent to target a potential competitor that had not yet formed a strong fanbase.”

The judge concluded that there was “a need to determine whether Min made fact-based statements, and whether the judgement standard should be based on experts or the public.”

The trial will be continued in multiple sessions. Stay tuned for updates.

Source: https://www.koreaboo.com/news/belift-min-hee-jin-first-trial-plagiarism-update/
Original Source: https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/108/0003295263

lol public as a measure.... the Judge cannot be serious. does the public decide a plagiarism suit in any other field?