The HYBE-ADOR dispute has ignited a heated rivalry among fans, who are strongly taking sides.
On July 31, NewJeans fans sent condolence wreaths to HYBE HQ to express their displeasure with the current situation. This move was aimed at criticizing HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk and management amid conflict with NewJeans and ADOR’s CEO Min Hee Jin.
While it is common for K-pop fans to protest in unusual ways, they are being criticized since the protest date coincides with LE SSERAFIM Kim Chaewon’s birthday.
As a result, it led to conflict between the fandom of NewJeans and LE SSERFIM as they pushed forward with the protest. LE SSERAFIM fans requested NewJeans fans to hold a protest on another date, however, they did not agree stating that ARMYs (BTS fandom) held a protest on Minji’s birthday.
Bunnies are protesting to show their support for the group and Min Hee Jin against HYBE. HYBE-ADOR conflict reignited when Dispatch released a detailed report on how Min Hee Jin delayed the debut of NewJeans and later accused HYBE of debuting LE SSERAFIM as their first girl group.
Min Hee Jin refuted all the claims and took necessary legal actions. Amidst all, sexual harassment allegations involving an ADOR executive and an employee also surfaced. On July 31, CEO Min refuted the allegations by releasing the screenshot of her messages with the ADOR executive and the employee.
Amidst all the drama, NewJeans has halted activities temporarily to rest and recharge and come back with a fresh new look.
All that happened in the last few days coupled with HYBE releasing a trainee video of a NewJeans member has fueled fans’ anger. Consequently, they delivered condolence wreaths to HYBE HQ to criticize management for their actions.