Min Hee Jin recently sat down for an interview where she talked about her label ADOR, and the success of her first-ever girl group NewJeans. However, her statement about “HYBE capital” became a hot topic among Korean netizens.
"People easily shout 'HYBE capital', but it is an expression that I personally disagree with. The actual detailed label management strategy after the investment was decided, and the investment was completed at the discretion unrelated to HYBE. I also received investment proposals similar to HYBE's offer at that time. And at that time, I had various options, and no matter where I invested, the provisions ‘independence of creation’ and ‘non-interference’ would have been the first priority, so there was no reason for HYBE’s capital.
If you ask me why I chose HYBE, it would lead to a slightly different context, so I will spare you.
The budget planning for NewJeans’ 1st EP was not thought carelessly. Even with the production cost of four music videos, a lot of people said it was thanks to HYBE’s capital. However, HYBE cannot confirm individually about ADOR’s production plan how the money will be spent. This is because operational autonomy was guaranteed for me. Our budget was not very different from that of other companies or labels. It is because I planned the production budget based on experience points and market research on the budget. Rather, it can be said that the cost-effectiveness is much higher than the production quality.
For context, Min Hee Jin used to be the creative director of SM Entertainment, but left around 2018. According to Korean media outlets, she started working with HYBE and eventually became the CEO of HYBE’s subsidiary ADOR, which produced the monster rookie girl group NewJeans.
Min Hee Jin’s statement instantly became a subject of controversy in South Korea, with Korean netizens commenting:
- But if it wasn’t for HYBE, do you really think NewJeans would get this much attention domestically and internationally this fast? Why did you even have your trainees appear in BTS' music video?
- This is hmm... You know that your ability is great, but you should know that there are people who listen to it because it's HYBE.
- You got attention because of HYBE. Therefore, you used HYBE's capital.
- I don't have sympathy for someone who started in SM Entertainment, but made a girl group in HYBE.
- If it wasn't for HYBE, you wouldn't have found the NewJeans members.
- NewJeans is really good... why do you keep doing interviews like this?
- But isn't Minji from Source Music? And where does Source Music belong? HYBE.
- Min Hee Jin, you should promote NewJeans and not yourself.
- Yes, NewJeans' debut songs are good, but so are most groups who debut in a year. However, most groups don't get attention because they come from small to medium agencies.
- I don't want to admit it, but the reality is that there were many K-pop fans who listened to the songs more because they were female idols under HYBE.
- You are arrogant.
- NewJeans' music videos were uploaded on HYBE. You didn't start from scratch.
- The cost of creating an app is a group production cost.
- Too much self confidence leads to one's downfall. Remember that.
- You talk as if you started with a dirt spoon and made it yourself. I know that you have good planning skills, but all of those planning skills were backed by capital, so they were able to come out with the best output.
- Reminds me of the Kendall Jenner interview.
- Min Hee Jin, let's refrain from doing interviews, okay?
- I have a feeling she'll leave HYBE once she produces a successful boy group.
- Your girl group didn't even release any teasers. Do you think people would click on their videos if they weren't posted on HYBE?
- No... Why are you doing this? It's embarassing. Stop it.
- You should've created your own Youtube account in the first place. You also never should've mentioned HYBE in the first place.
- Min Hee Jin, please stop doing interviews!
- Please don't hate on NewJeans for this!
Source
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