HYBE Addresses NewJeans’ Comeback And Future In Letter To ADOR Employees

As NewJeans prepares for their much-anticipated comeback in May, HYBE has moved to reassure fans and stakeholders that the group’s schedule remains on track despite ongoing internal disputes within ADOR, their managing agency and HYBE sub-label.

HYBE affirmed their commitment on April 24, stating that the group’s comeback dates are unchanged and they will provide full support for the upcoming releases.

There are currently no changes to the comeback date. HYBE will do its utmost to support the artist’s planned comeback.

— HYBE in their letter

ADOR, too, has echoed this sentiment. In a recent phone interview, a representative confirmed that the focus is currently on ensuring the success of NewJeans’ forthcoming music releases. The group is scheduled to drop a double single in May, followed by another in June, alongside their Japanese debut and a major fan meeting at Tokyo Dome, which is set to pave the way for a world tour in 2025.

These plans come at a tumultuous time for ADOR, with potential disruptions looming due to internal conflicts. The industry speculates that while HYBE intends to retain NewJeans’ intellectual property, its future association with ADOR’s CEO, Min Hee Jin, remains uncertain. The likelihood of Min staying with HYBE is currently seen as slim, with NewJeans staying under ADOR’s management unless legal actions alter their contracts.

Simultaneously, HYBE initiated an audit of CEO Min and Vice President A, requested a shareholders’ meeting, and sent a letter demanding CEO Min’s resignation. HYBE stated that they have gathered sufficient evidence, including documents obtained through the exercise of audit rights and forensic discoveries, to prove CEO Min’s attempt to take over management.

In response, CEO Min Hee Jin criticized BeLift Lab‘s new girl group ILLIT as a ‘copy of NewJeans,’ which she alleges led HYBE to take these actions against her. However, in doing so, she has faced criticism for rudely describing ILLIT as an imitation of NewJeans and for making derogatory remarks about Chairman Bang Si Hyuk. Moreover, ADOR has not properly clarified the accusations of attempting to seize management rights.

ADOR is a subsidiary label established by HYBE in 2021 with an investment of ₩16.1 billion KRW (about $11.7 million USD), and HYBE owns 80% of its shares. Min Hee Jin, having exercised her call option, holds an 18% stake, making her the second-largest shareholder.