HYBE vs. ADOR? — Netizens Divided As HYBE Initiates Audit and Investigation Against ADOR Executives

On April 22nd, Korean media outlets reported that HYBE invoked an audit over the management rights of its sub-label ADOR, seizing their computer assets and securing face-to-face statements. The investigation is said to focus on whether ADOR executives plotted to take over the sub-label, making it completely independent from HYBE by allegedly leaking confidential contracts in order to attract investors, disclosing trade secrets and artist's private information, and soliciting personnel appointments.

In response to the reports, HYBE confirmed it, saying, "It is true that the right to audit has been activated against ADOR executives due to suspicions that they are trying to take over management rights of the label."

Currently, HYBE owns 80% of ADOR's shares, while the 20% is owned by ADOR executives, including CEO Min Hee Jin. And just last year, it is said that CEO Min was granted a call option to purchase shares at the time of ADOR's launch. As a result, CEO Min reportedly owns 18% of the shares, while the rest of the executives own 2%.

CEO Min, who joined SM Entertainment as a public employee in 2002, rose to the position of creative director and registered director before leaving SM. She joined HYBE in 2019 and served as the company's Chief Brand Officer until she launched her own label 'Ador' under the HYBE. In July 2022, Ador launched the girl group NewJeans, who instantly received worldwide fame and recognition for their hit songs and individuality. CEO Min also became a recognized figure as one of the top producers in Kpop.

As more details about their current conflict comes to surface, there are rumors as a way to put pressure on HYBE, someone from ADOR secretly formed negative public opinion about HYBE's artists and appeased the artists' parents. Moreover, it is said that HYBE is demanding CEO Min's resignation.

Since the news broke out, it has been a hot topic all over South Korean online community boards. Netizens commented:

• This is so messed up...
• What is this? FIFTY FIFTY Season 2?
• Wow, this is a serious crime, right?
• Can Min Hee Jin still work in Korea like this?
• Does this mean Min Hee Jin is going to jail?
• I don't want NewJeans to end up like FIFTY FIFTY
• Wow, is this why ILLIT debuted?
• Did they really not learn anything from FIFTY FIFTY?
• HYBE gave Min Hee Jin all the capital only to get backstabbed like this.
• If it wasn't for HYBE, she wouldn't have the members of NewJeans now.
• How long has it been? What is she doing?
• They deserve to be independent.
• Formed negative opinion about other idols? Now that is too much!
• This is very one-sided. We should hear from Min Hee Jin's side too.
• This is like Ador's version of FIFTY FIFTY.
• Does Min Hee Jin really think that NewJeans rose to its current position so quickly solely on her own ability?
• This is like a makjang drama.
• Whatever happens, just don't touch NewJeans.

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