[Seoul = Ueno Masahiko] On the night of the 11th, members of the popular South Korean K-pop group “NewJeans” expressed their thoughts directly for the first time regarding the internal conflict at major entertainment agency “HYBE.” During an emergency live stream on YouTube, they showed distrust towards HYBE and called for the reinstatement of Min Hee-jin, who was dismissed as the head of the subsidiary label “ADOR,” by the 25th. This sudden expression of opinion could potentially affect the future activities of the top idol group.
◆ “We decided to have the courage not to leave it to adults alone.”
The conflict between HYBE and Min became apparent in April, and in August, Min was demoted from representative to board member. The works of the director who has produced NewJeans’ music videos (MVs) are no longer able to be published online.
NewJeans members (from left) Haein, Hyein, Hani, Minji, and Daniel – 2023, Harajuku, Tokyo
The NewJeans members explained during the stream, “This is a matter that concerns our lives, so we decided to have the courage not to leave it to adults alone” (Haein). They revealed that they had prepared without informing the agency.
◆ We asked for a decision by the 25th…
Daniel emphasized, “Min is us, and an irreplaceable presence.” He criticized HYBE, which is in conflict with Min. Minji stated, “Our works are being infringed,” showing trust in Min and the MV directors they have created music together with.
Minji requested HYBE to make a “wise decision” to reinstate Min by the 25th at the end of the approximately 30-minute stream.
On the 12th, Lee Jae-sang, who was elected as the new representative at an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting of HYBE, effectively rejected NewJeans’ demands in an interview with Korean media, stating, “It will take time, but we are responding calmly and according to principles.”
◆ Criticism online: “They are brainwashed”
ADOR explained to public broadcaster KBS that “we are reviewing the content of the stream.” Min has not commented by the evening of the 12th.
According to Yonhap News, the internal conflict may “flare up into a contract dispute for NewJeans.” If NewJeans were to cancel the contract, there could be a significant penalty. If it escalates to a legal battle, image damage and mental burden would also be unavoidable. There are opinions that include this stream, suggesting NewJeans may focus on actions that align public sentiment with their side.
Online, there are sympathetic comments toward NewJeans like “They are sending an SOS to the public. We must not ignore it.” There are also critical comments stating, “They are brainwashed by Min Hee-jin,” but some voices push back, saying, “These are probably hired commenters by HYBE to manipulate public opinion.”