NewJeans on Verge of Crucial Decision: Min Hee-jin or Hybe?

▲ K-pop girl group NewJeans appears on this undated photo provided by ADOR. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, April 24 (Yonhap) -- With ongoing tensions between ADOR, the agency representing NewJeans, and its other label Hybe, there is growing interest in the fate and activities of NewJeans members as they approach their comeback.

In the music industry, there is a prevailing view that Hybe will continue to work closely with the valuable intellectual property (IP) of NewJeans, suggesting that immediate major changes are unlikely. However, it is noted that the strong bond among the members, who have referred to ADOR's CEO Min Hee-jin as 'Mom', remains a significant variable in this situation.

◇NewJeans Reduces Comeback Schedule... No Changes Yet

According to sources in the music industry on the 24th, NewJeans is releasing various contents ahead of their comeback next month. They will unveil their new music video for 'Bubble Gum' on the 27th and release a new single titled 'How Sweet' on May 24th. In May, they will also introduce another new song, 'Right Now', as advertisement music in Korea and Japan. On June 21st, they will release a Japanese debut single featuring 'Supernatural' and 'Right Now'.

NewJeans will also hold a large-scale fan meeting at Tokyo Dome in Japan on June 26-27, with plans for a new album in the second half of the year and a world tour next year.

While Hybe has initiated an audit targeting Min Hee-jin and others, they maintain a stance to protect 'Artist NewJeans' as much as possible. CEO Park Ji-won emphasized in an email to staff the day before, "Please do your best in your duties for NewJeans' comeback and growth without feeling anxious." He also stated, "We will continue to consider and improve what needs to be done for the growth and development of NewJeans and ILLIT."

Due to Hybe's firm multi-label structure, all activities related to NewJeans are under the jurisdiction of ADOR. It is noted that even Hybe headquarters may not fully understand the situation until ADOR conveys various matters. However, as of now, there have been no detected changes in NewJeans' comeback activities.

◇Possibility of NewJeans Choosing Min Hee-jin... Not Easy, Says Music Industry Insiders

However, amidst the ongoing confrontation between Hybe and Min Hee-jin, it is speculated whether NewJeans members will stand with Min. In extreme scenarios, online discussions have even mentioned a virtual scenario where they leave Hybe and join Min's side.

Members of NewJeans, who were nurtured and selected by Min Hee-jin from Source Music, another label under Hybe, have shown strong trust and camaraderie towards Min. They have consistently expressed gratitude towards Min during various award ceremonies, and even members' families have written letters expressing how they consider Min as a "precious connection".

If NewJeans were to follow Min Hee-jin, there are two possible choices being discussed in the industry. One is to file for a preliminary injunction to suspend the exclusive contract in court, citing unreasonable treatment typically raised during disputes over exclusive contracts in the music industry. The other is a scenario where ADOR, given that Min Hee-jin and her close associates are part of the management, terminates the members' contracts first.

However, realistically, either option is considered difficult in the music industry. The specific terms of NewJeans' exclusive contract are not publicly known. However, considering the typical industry practice of a seven-year contract, members who debuted in July 2022 have not even passed two years since the start of their contracts.

Even if they were to file for a preliminary injunction, as seen in the FIFTY FIFTY case, the court could thoroughly review the circumstances and issue a 'dismissal' decision. One music industry insider commented, "If ADOR proactively releases them from their 'contractual shackles', Hybe could potentially pursue embezzlement charges against Min Hee-jin and others."

As of the morning of the deadline for Hybe's audit questionnaire response on the 24th, Min Hee-jin has not yet replied and has reportedly not returned company assets such as laptops.

While Min's side has been vocal, including announcing a statement from ADOR's Vice President A, they are reportedly not engaging in dialogue with Hybe.

Cultural critic Jung Deok-hyun commented, "The dispute between Hybe and ADOR doesn't seem likely to end easily," adding, "It is not desirable for public opinion to sway without waiting for a factual investigation. There are concerns about potential disruptions to NewJeans' activities."

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