The power struggle between HYBE and label ADOR, which houses the K-pop girl group NewJeans, has become one of the most notable feuds in the industry. ADOR, founded in November 2021 by former SM Entertainment creative director Min Hee-jin, was once one of HYBE’s most promising subsidiaries. However, an alleged ongoing dispute has arisen over creative direction and management control. It remains unclear what the future holds for both ADOR and NewJeans.
The first sign of friction between HYBE and ADOR came on April 22, 2024, when HYBE launched an investigation into the K-pop agency’s CEO, Min Hee-jin, and an unnamed executive. HYBE later revealed a suspicion that ADOR executives were attempting to take control of the label, although no specific employees were identified. As a result, HYBE’s stock price began to drop.
In response, Min Hee-jin accused HYBE of “undermining” NewJeans, claiming that the company copied the girl group’s “makeup, costumes, choreography, photos, videos, and event appearances” for its latest girl group, ILLIT. She filed an official complaint over what she described as a “copycat issue” and refuted HYBE’s allegations that she was trying to take control of the company.
HYBE CEO Park Ji-won claimed to have found evidence of Min Hee-jin and other executives “trying to seize control” of ADOR. However, Min Hee-jin denied any such plot, stating that it would be “impossible” to do so without consent from HYBE, as she only owns 18% of the company. Nevertheless, HYBE announced its intention to file a formal complaint against her.
During a press conference, Min Hee-jin refuted the claims made against her by HYBE and accused HYBE founder Bang Si-hyuk of not letting her promote NewJeans as the first girl group from Min Hee-jin. She also questioned HYBE’s motives for NewJeans and claimed that the group would be “nothing planned” without her. The ongoing dispute has attracted attention from the music industry globally, leaving fans unsure about what the future holds for NewJeans and ADOR
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