HYBE, the major Korean entertainment agency that represents the globally popular music group BTS, announced on the 25th that executives from its subsidiary ADOR had conspired to become independent. As a result, HYBE plans to indict Hee-jin on charges of breach of trust and has called for Min to resign. Additionally, Min has revealed that BTS received daily management guidance from a shaman, including requests for a female shaman to perform magical acts related to military enlistment.
HYBE Conducting An Internal Audit
HYBE, the major Korean entertainment agency that represents BTS, revealed on the 25th that it has been conducting an internal audit due to suspicions that Mr. Min and others were attempting to have HYBE sell ADOR shares to gain management rights. During this audit, details of communications between Mr. Min and a female shaman via a free messaging app were discovered and made public.
According to HYBE’s announcement, in 2021, the shaman sent a message to Mr. Min suggesting their plan for independence, stating, “We will accomplish everything within three years.” Mr. Min also sought her advice regarding the establishment of a new label and the timing for selling his shares in HYBE.
Mr. Min consulted the shaman on personnel recruitment as well. Candidates who received positive evaluations from her often passed the selection process, with some currently employed at ADOR. In one instance, the shaman forwarded her own client’s job application to Mr. Min.
HYBE, the major Korean entertainment agency representing BTS, disclosed further details about its internal audit on the 25th. The audit revealed that Mr. Min allegedly conspired with a female shaman, stating, “I’d be better off without BTS,” and asked her to perform sorcery to ensure BTS members would enlist in the military. The communications also suggested that Mr. Min and the shaman used sorcery on HYBE’s management team.
HYBE issued a statement saying, “The issues are severe enough that Mr. Min can no longer remain in charge of the company, yet he has refused to resign, causing significant problems for the company’s management.”
According to HYBE, when questioned during the audit, Min submitted a written response denying all allegations.
In an emergency press conference on the 25th, Mr. Min claimed that the shaman woman was “just an acquaintance.” He also denied the independence plan, calling it a “plot” by HYBE.
ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE, is home to the popular female group New Jeans, which has gained popularity in Japan and the United States. Mr. Min, formerly the director for Girls’ Generation at SM Entertainment, established ADOR in 2021. New Jeans recently topped the US Billboard main album chart.
[Reported by Seoul Motomi Kusakabe]
Although They Missed Out on the Grammy Award, Here’s Basic Knowledge About BTS That You Might Not Know
The 64th Grammy Awards, considered the most prestigious awards in the American music industry, were announced on April 3rd (April 4th Japan time) in Las Vegas. The popular Korean boy group BTS was nominated in the Best Pop Performance (Group) category for their single “Butter,” but they did not win the award.
BTS debuted in South Korea in 2013 as a “hip-hop idol group that also writes and composes songs.” Also known as “Bangtan Sonyeondan,” the group’s name reflects their mission to “stop the oppression and prejudice directed at teens and 20s and protect their music.”
The group consists of seven members: RM (27), SUGA (29), JIN (29), J-HOPE (28), JIMIN (26), V (26), and JUNG KOOK (24). All members hail from different regions of Korea and participate jointly in almost all aspects of song production. BTS is known for addressing criticisms of modern society and the worries of young people through their lyrics, resonating with a wide audience.
Their fan base, known as “ARMY,” spans across Asia, Europe, America, and the rest of the world, reflecting their global influence and support.
BTS’ Korean Company Faces Management Quarrels Over “Dramatic Plot”
HYBE, the major Korean entertainment agency behind the world-famous music group BTS, has launched an internal audit, accusing executives of its subsidiary ADOR of plotting to become independent. The incident was reported by South Korean media outlets, including Yonhap News, on the 22nd. ADOR is known for managing the female group New Jeans, which is popular in Japan and the United States. The stock price has plummeted due to the sudden conflict within management.
According to Korean media, ADOR executives are suspected of leaking confidential contracts and attempting to pressure HYBE into selling ADOR shares held by HYBE to gain management rights. In response, HYBE is reportedly in the process of dismissing ADOR’s representative and renowned producer, Min Hee-jin.
Min, known as the creator of New Jeans, claims that HYBE plagiarized New Jeans’ concept to create another group. She asserts that the audit was initiated as a retaliatory move by HYBE, labeling it a “dramatic plot.” Min denies any plans for independence and insists the audit is unfounded.
Following the discovery of these issues, HYBE’s stock price closed down 7.81% on the 22nd, resulting in a market capitalization loss of approximately 750 billion won (around 84 billion yen).
Min previously worked as the director for groups such as Girls’ Generation and SHINee at SM Entertainment, Korea’s largest production company, before establishing ADOR in 2021. New Jeans has since gained immense popularity, even topping the US Billboard main album chart.
[Reported by Seoul Motomi Kusakabe]
HYBE “Family Turmoil” Erupts: “New Jeans” Producer and CEO Min Hee-jin Accused of Breach of Trust
On the 25th, HYBE, the major Korean entertainment agency to which BTS and other artists belong, accused Min Hee-jin, the representative of the affiliated label ADOR, of breach of trust. This news was reported by multiple Korean media outlets, including Chosun Ilbo and Kstyle.
On the 22nd, HYBE claimed that Min Hee-jin, who produces the five-member girl group New Jeans under ADOR, was planning to go independent. As a result, HYBE announced that ADOR would undergo an audit.
In response, ADOR accused HYBE of copying New Jeans with the girl group ILLIT, which debuted under a separate label in March. ADOR argued that “ironically, the cultural achievements of ADOR and New Jeans are being most infringed by HYBE.” Min Hee-jin denied any intentions of leaving ADOR.
As this “family commotion” continues, HYBE announced the interim audit results on the 25th, confirming specific facts that ADOR attempted to seize management rights. HYBE plans to file charges of breach of trust against Min Hee-jin.
Furthermore, HYBE has pledged to support New Jeans by providing psychological care and ensuring a successful comeback. The company also intends to meet with legal representatives as soon as possible to protect the members of New Jeans.