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The Internal Turmoil and Achievements of NewJeans Within HYBE Corporation

GOOVER DAILY REPORT August 2, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Internal Conflicts and Allegations
  3. Achievements and Public Engagements
  4. Notable Incidents and Media Coverage
  5. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The report titled 'The Internal Turmoil and Achievements of NewJeans Within HYBE Corporation' explores the journey of the K-pop group NewJeans under the purview of HYBE Corporation. It details internal disputes, such as the alleged hostile takeover attempts by ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, and controversies over management practices and living conditions faced by the group members. Despite these challenges, NewJeans has achieved significant milestones, including the commercial success of their albums, high-profile performances, and extensive fan engagement through events like Bunnies Camp 2024. The report aims to provide a comprehensive view of both the obstacles and successes encountered by NewJeans since their debut in July 2022.

2. Internal Conflicts and Allegations

  • 2-1. Dispute between HYBE and ADOR

  • The internal conflict between HYBE and ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin reached public awareness when HYBE initiated an audit of ADOR on April 22, 2024. HYBE accused Min Hee-jin of planning a hostile takeover to gain independent management rights over NewJeans. Min Hee-jin denied these allegations during a press conference on April 25, 2024, clarifying that she was only trying to protect NewJeans’ cultural achievements from being overshadowed by other HYBE groups, such as ILLIT. Despite her denials, HYBE's audit reportedly uncovered plans and discussions supporting her alleged hostile takeover intentions, including preparations for a public opinion war against HYBE. These allegations have led to a strained relationship between ADOR and HYBE, influencing public opinion about the integrity of NewJeans' management.

  • 2-2. Allegations against Min Hee-jin

  • Min Hee-jin faced several allegations from HYBE and media outlets, specifically regarding her management practices and relationships. Dispatch released evidence indicating Min Hee-jin’s reliance on a shaman for critical business decisions, particularly the lineup of NewJeans and various other management decisions. Min Hee-jin was also accused of attempting to manipulate stock related to SM Entertainment and being involved in planning to take over HYBE with CEO Kakao Kim Beomsoo. Additionally, Min Hee-jin's allegations of misconduct and mistrust towards HYBE were made public, including her dissatisfaction with HYBE's actions, such as featuring trainees in BTS's 'Permission to Dance' music video without prior consent. These allegations have deepened the mistrust and conflict between Min Hee-jin and HYBE's leadership.

  • 2-3. Living conditions of NewJeans members

  • Concerns have been raised regarding the living conditions of NewJeans members. Dispatch reported that NewJeans' parents expressed their support for Min Hee-jin, criticizing HYBE and Source Music for mistreating their daughters. The ongoing feud has led to allegations from NewJeans' parents about the poor treatment and mismanagement of the group's living conditions. Despite these allegations, Min Hee-jin's management approach was defended by the parents, emphasizing their loyalty amidst the conflict.

  • 2-4. Leaked internal information

  • The controversy was further inflamed by leaked internal documents and communications. Dispatch released pre-debut documents and private KakaoTalk messages, revealing Min Hee-jin’s practices, including her communication with a shaman and disparaging remarks about NewJeans members. These leaks have not only contributed to allegations of misconduct but have also sparked widespread outrage and concern within the K-pop community. HYBE's audit findings and subsequent public disclosure of these messages escalated the conflict, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives regarding the context and intent behind the leaked information.

3. Achievements and Public Engagements

  • 3-1. Music and Performance Milestones

  • NewJeans has achieved significant milestones in their music and performances. They released their 3rd single album ‘Supernatural’ on June 21, 2024, which sold 1,021,730 copies in South Korea and topped the Korean peak charts. Additionally, NewJeans' debut single album 'Attention' released on July 22, 2022, brought them widespread popularity, selling 1,609,229 copies in South Korea. All five albums released by NewJeans have become million-sellers, showcasing their continued success. Their song 'Supernatural' reached 32nd on the Billboard Global chart, and their performance at the Tokyo Dome on June 26 and 27, 2024, further cemented their reputation with an attendance of 91,000 fans.

  • 3-2. Fan Meetings and Public Appearances

  • NewJeans has successfully engaged with their fans through various public appearances and fan meetings. Their fan meeting at Tokyo Dome on June 26 and 27, 2024, was highlighted by the members as a memorable event, with 91,000 fans attending. Hanni's performance of Seiko Matsuda's 'Aoi Sangosho (Blue Coral Reef)' during this event received significant praise, particularly for her native-like pronunciation and homage to Japanese culture. Furthermore, NewJeans received 19.44 million views on the music video for 'Bubble Gum,' despite the controversies surrounding it. Their popularity is further supported by the enthusiastic response from fans who sent condolence wreaths to HYBE HQ in support of ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin.

  • 3-3. Cultural Impact and Brand Rankings

  • NewJeans has made a considerable cultural impact within the entertainment industry. They topped the K-Brand Index for idol groups, as developed by the Asia Brand Research Institute. This accomplishment was achieved through an analysis of 986,348,239 online big data entries from June 1 to 30, 2024. Their influence extends internationally, with invitations from major Japanese television networks following their Japanese debut single ‘Supernatural.’ Additionally, their performance in the Tokyo Dome created a 'NewJeans Syndrome' in Japan, bridging cultures and generations through their music.

  • 3-4. Social Media Virality and Public Response

  • NewJeans has garnered substantial attention on social media platforms. Their dance practice videos for the song 'Supernatural' went viral, drawing massive views on YouTube and trending topics online. Fans have widely shared and reacted positively to their energetic performances and catchy choreography. Hanni’s performance of ‘Blue Coral Reef’ at the Tokyo Dome further amplified their virality, gathering over 6.5 million views on YouTube and receiving heartfelt messages from fans, including a cancer patient who found inspiration in her performance. NewJeans' social media presence as per their official Instagram and other platforms showcases their unique fashion and style moments, connecting with a broad audience and enhancing their public image.

4. Notable Incidents and Media Coverage

  • 4-1. Fan Reactions to Internal Issues

  • NewJeans has faced significant internal turmoil within HYBE Corporation, which has not gone unnoticed by their fandom and the greater public. One prominent incident involves Minji's allegation that her dormitory was infested with cockroaches and mold, and her mother claimed that Source Music discouraged her from pursuing her education. Fans have expressed concern over these allegations and the harsh living conditions described (source: go-public-web-eng-1618206272865188543-0-0). Furthermore, the posting of a private letter from Danielle to ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin on social media raised alarms among international fans, who accused Min of using the letter to shield herself from criticism amid internal conflicts (source: go-public-web-eng-8526933594715487120-0-0).

  • 4-2. Minji's Personal Struggles

  • Minji, one of the members of NewJeans, faced serious personal challenges during her early years with the group. Reports highlight that Minji lived in a dormitory that was infested with cockroaches and mold, which her mother was not allowed to visit until a year later. Additionally, Minji was initially asked to give up on her education when she was about to enter high school, but she managed to get into an arts high school against the odds (source: go-public-web-eng-1618206272865188543-0-0).

  • 4-3. Members' Perspectives

  • The perspectives and experiences of the NewJeans members have been varied and complex. Danielle's heartwarming letter to CEO Min Hee Jin, despite internal controversies, suggested a deep bond between the members and their CEO. However, this letter and its public disclosure were controversial, with many international fans interpreting it as a manipulative tactic by Min to garner support amidst disputes (source: go-public-web-eng-8526933594715487120-0-0). Moreover, following the Tokyo Dome fan meeting, Minji shared her reflections on the event and her life principles in an interview, emphasizing her focus on small joys and the encouragement she receives from her fans (source: go-public-web-eng-N8736853787398385114-0-0).

5. Conclusion

  • This report sheds light on the intricate dynamics involving NewJeans within HYBE Corporation, emphasizing the significant internal discord, especially involving ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. These disputes have influenced public perceptions and the working environment of NewJeans. Yet, despite adversities, such as harsh living conditions and allegations of management misconduct, the group has reached impressive milestones and maintained strong public and fan engagement. Key achievements include their million-selling albums and viral social media presence. While the findings highlight both achievements and tribulations, the report also suggests the necessity to address management practices and improve member welfare. Moving forward, it's crucial for HYBE and ADOR to reassess their internal strategies and foster a more supportive environment for NewJeans. The potential for NewJeans to achieve even greater success is evident, provided their management resolves these internal conflicts and prioritizes the well-being of the group members.

6. Glossary

  • 6-1. NewJeans [K-pop group]

  • A South Korean girl group formed by ADOR in July 2022. They quickly rose to fame with million-selling albums, notable performances, and significant fan engagement.

  • 6-2. Min Hee-jin [Person]

  • CEO of ADOR, involved in significant controversies and accused of various misconducts, yet plays a crucial role in NewJeans' management and artistic direction.

  • 6-3. HYBE Corporation [Company]

  • A major South Korean entertainment company embroiled in internal disputes affecting its subsidiary ADOR and the girl group NewJeans.

  • 6-4. ADOR [Company]

  • A subsidiary of HYBE Corporation, managing NewJeans, headed by CEO Min Hee-jin, and central to multiple controversies.

  • 6-5. Bunnies Camp 2024 [Event]

  • A fan meeting event at Tokyo Dome celebrated by NewJeans as a career highlight, drawing intense fan and media attention.

  • 6-6. K-Brand Index [Metric]

  • An index by the Asia Brand Research Institute ranking K-pop groups based on online data, where NewJeans topped the list in June 2024.

7. Source Documents