As NewJeans, a group under Korea's largest entertainment company HYBE and its subsidiary label ADOR, approaches its first anniversary and plans for international debut, it finds itself embroiled in a management dispute that has raised concerns about its future. Amidst these critical moments, the conflict between HYBE and ADOR has escalated, casting a shadow over the group's upcoming activities.
On April 22nd, HYBE initiated an audit of ADOR's management team. HYBE alleged that Min Hee-jin, CEO of ADOR, and executive Mr. A were suspected of attempting to take management control away from HYBE, leading to the audit's commencement.
As the audit team began retrieving company data and securing statements, Min Hee-jin responded in the afternoon, stating, "After raising the issue of Airet copying NewJeans, I was notified of the dismissal process," pushing back against the allegations.
Min Hee-jin argued, "The cultural achievements made by ADOR and its artists, particularly NewJeans, are ironically being severely infringed upon by HYBE. Airet is copying NewJeans in every aspect of entertainment activities including hair, makeup, outfits, choreography, photography, video, and appearances."
This situation reportedly stems from allegations of 'NewJeans copying' by another HYBE label, Belift Lab. Airet, a girl group formed through the JTBC competition show 'RU Next,' debuted last month and has been noted for its similarities to NewJeans in terms of mystical teenage aesthetics, comfortable song styles, and Hanbok photoshoots, among others.
With the internal strife between Bang Si-hyuk, Min Hee-jin, HYBE, and ADOR, the pressure is mounting on NewJeans, which is scheduled for a comeback next month. NewJeans has planned to release a new double single 'How Sweet' in Korea on May 24th and in Japan on June 21st, with their Korean comeback less than a month away.
This comeback, their first since the second EP 'Get Up' in July last year, marks their official debut in Japan. Although they have previously made significant chart impacts globally without an official overseas debut, this year is particularly crucial with plans ranging from their Japan debut to a world tour set for 2025.
Moreover, in a record-breaking 1 year and 11 months for a foreign artist, they will also host a fan meeting at Tokyo Dome, known as the dream stage for artists. A part of their new song 'Bubble Gum' has been featured in a Japanese shampoo commercial, heightening global anticipation for their comeback.
