The K-pop scene is buzzing with the ongoing beef between ADOR and HYBE.
On April 22, word got out that HYBE had kicked off an audit against ADOR after getting a tip-off that CEO Min Hee Jin and another exec were trying to snatch the management rights of ADOR.
In response, ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin put out an official statement tackling the allegations, insisting that the beef started when HYBE launched ILLIT, and accused the group of ripping off NewJeans’ concepts.
ADOR stated, “Some argue that similarities between labels under HYBE and NewJeans are par for the course, and some even suggest that ADOR and NewJeans may have allowed or turned a blind eye to such resemblances. However, these perceptions are misconceptions that we aim to clear up. The multi-label system is meant to let each label make music independently, promoting diversity, not to enable one label’s imitation of another’s cultural achievements.”
The label also stated that “ADOR has formally raised concerns about the copycat incident and HYBE’s subsequent actions towards NewJeans with both HYBE and Belift Lab. Despite this, HYBE and Belift Lab have not owned up to their mistakes and have instead been stalling with various excuses.” The latest string of incidents has led ADOR to release an official statement regarding the allegations and explained, “This could lead to growing misunderstandings among fans and the general public over time. Therefore, after in-depth chats with the NewJeans members and legal reps, ADOR has released its official stance.”
However, many K-netizens are worried that ADOR’s latest statement can backfire and hurt the group NewJeans. Specifically, K-netizens criticized the statement “after in-depth chats with NewJeans members and legal reps, ADOR has released its official stance,” has dragged the young idol members into it unnecessarily.
K-netizens commented:
“I think NewJeans need to put out their own statement.”
“I’m so ticked off how ADOR is dragging NewJeans into this with that statement.”
“I feel like they are using NewJeans as their shield.”
“These girls are so young. What do they know?”
“Why are they dragging NewJeans into this mess?”
“This is basically saying, they are going to take NewJeans and become an independent company.”
“They need to leave the kids out of this.”
“Wow.”
“Min Hee Jin is really going at it.”
“They really shouldn’t have dragged the girls into the group.”
“Oh man, this statement is definitely going to backfire.”
“I guess it is true that ADOR was trying to make HYBE look bad.”
“Smh.”
“NewJeans is being used as a shield…”
Below is the full statement by ADOR:
"Hello,
This is ADOR Inc. (hereinafter referred to as 'ADOR', represented by CEO Min Hee Jin).
ADOR publicly states its position on the 'ILLIT NewJeans Copy Controversy' to protect our artist NewJeans and for the healthy development of our country’s music and cultural industry.
HYBE operates a multi-label system aimed at fostering cultural diversity, allowing each label to independently create its own music. ADOR is one such label. Ironically, the cultural contributions of ADOR and its artist, NewJeans, have faced the most significant infringements from within HYBE itself.
In March of this year, Belift Lab, a subsidiary of HYBE, debuted a 5-member female idol group named ILLIT. Following the release of their teaser photos, online reactions frequently pointed out striking similarities to the group NewJeans, with comments like "thought it was NewJeans" becoming widespread. ILLIT's emulation of NewJeans extends across all aspects of their entertainment activities, from hair and makeup to costumes, choreography, photos, videos, and even appearances. They have been described as having a 'Min Hee Jin style,' 'Min Hee Jin type,' or being 'a variation of NewJeans.' Such blatant imitation is indeed disgraceful.
Bang Si Hyuk, the chairman of HYBE, produced ILLIT's debut album. The resemblance of ILLIT's work to that of NewJeans isn't just the responsibility of Belift Lab but also implicates HYBE. As a leading force in K-Pop, HYBE's willingness to emulate successful cultural content for short-term gains undermines innovation, resulting in mediocrity rather than originality.
NewJeans is currently gearing up for a comeback in May, but their preparations have been overshadowed by comparisons to ILLIT. The emergence of such a blatant imitation has tarnished NewJeans' image and sparked unnecessary controversies, causing concern and fatigue among fans and the general public. While HYBE and Belift Lab are undoubtedly the main culprits behind this situation, the resulting damage falls squarely on the shoulders of ADOR and NewJeans.
Some argue that similarities between labels under HYBE and NewJeans are to be expected, and some even suggest that ADOR and NewJeans may have permitted or overlooked such resemblances. However, these perceptions are misconceptions that we aim to clarify. The multi-label system is intended to enable each label to create music independently, fostering diversity, not to facilitate one label's imitation of another's cultural achievements.
ADOR has never condoned or tolerated any imitation of NewJeans' achievements by HYBE, including both HYBE and Belift Lab. ADOR wishes to ensure that NewJeans and ILLIT are not associated in any manner. We will not permit promotions suggesting a 'sibling group' relationship merely because they debuted under a HYBE-affiliated label.
ADOR has formally raised concerns about the copying incident and HYBE's subsequent actions towards NewJeans with both HYBE and Belift Lab. Despite this, HYBE and Belift Lab have not acknowledged their mistakes and have instead been stalling with various excuses. In an unexpected turn of events today, April 22, 2024, HYBE informed us of their decision to suspend and dismiss Min Hee Jin from her CEO position, alleging that she has 'significantly damaged ADOR's corporate value.'
Simultaneously, they are making baseless allegations that Min Hee Jin attempted to 'seize management control.' We fail to comprehend how legitimate efforts to protect NewJeans' cultural achievements could jeopardize ADOR's interests, or how Min Hee Jin's actions could be construed as an attempt to take over ADOR's management.
HYBE, Belift Lab, and Chairman Bang Si Hyuk appear to believe that simply removing Min Hee Jin from the company will resolve the issue. ADOR is committed to safeguarding the cultural achievements of NewJeans and preventing any further infringements through imitation. ADOR firmly declares that we will not tolerate any unfair actions against ADOR and NewJeans.
As ILLIT's activities gain momentum, HYBE and Belift Lab may attempt to emphasize the differences between ILLIT and NewJeans, thereby downplaying the situation at the time of ILLIT's debut. This could lead to increasing misunderstandings among fans and the general public over time. Therefore, following thorough discussions with NewJeans members and legal representatives, ADOR has released its official stance.
With this announcement, we hope that HYBE and Belift Lab will acknowledge their mistakes, respect the cultural achievements of others, and make genuine contributions to the Korean music industry and culture through sincere efforts.
Thank you."
