BTS, NewJeans fandoms clash over Hybe-Min Hee-jin conflict
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K-pop girl group NewJeans held a live broadcast on Sept 11, demanding Hybe reinstate former Ador chief executive Min Hee-jin by Sept 25.
PHOTO: ADOR
SEOUL – The conflict between Hybe and former Ador chief executive Min Hee-jin appears to be escalating into a broader dispute between the fandoms of BTS and NewJeans, as the K-pop boy band’s fanbase, Army, raises its voice in opposing Min’s potential return.
On Sept 16, a group identifying itself as part of the BTS Army community released a statement on X, expressing its unified stance against Min’s return as the CEO of Ador, a subsidiary of BTS’ agency Hybe. The group made clear that it opposes her reinstatement in a leadership role.
“We remain cognisant of the previous CEO’s action against BTS during their military enlistment, her consultations with a shaman intending harm against BTS, and her strategies to manipulate the Korean media against both BTS and the Army,” the group said in a statement.
“We urge former CEO Min Hee-jin to stop using artistes and fandoms as shields to spread her agenda and lies through the media.”
The controversy gained further attention when BTS member Jungkook posted “Artistes are not guilty” on his social media on Sept 14. Some speculated that the post might be a show of support for NewJeans, the popular K-pop girl group produced by Min.
However, Hybe quickly dismissed the speculation, saying: “This was made to stress that young artistes should not be dragged into disputes or used as shields in any conflict.”
NewJeans held a live broadcast on Sept 11, demanding Hybe reinstate Min by Sept 25. The NewJeans fanbase, known as Bunnies, has also repeatedly sent letters to Hybe, urging the company to guarantee Min’s position.
“The dismissal of former CEO Min Hee-jin, in defiance of the court’s ruling, is an abuse of power by Hybe, causing delays in the production of NewJeans’ upcoming album and world tour preparations,” Bunnies wrote in an open letter.
“The formula behind NewJeans’ success cannot be achieved by separating management from production. The group needs long-term strategic insight into its branding, and there are concerns that the change in leadership will damage NewJeans’ distinct musical style.”
Statement released by part of the BTS Army community on X, expressing its stance against Min’s return as Ador’s CEO
PHOTO: BTS ARMY Community/X
Min was dismissed from her role as CEO of Ador on Aug 27. Hybe cited the company’s principle of separating management from production as the reason for the decision.
Ador appointed human resources management expert Kim Ju-young as the new CEO and announced that Min would continue her role as producer of NewJeans in her two remaining months under contract with Ador. However, Min rejected the offer, citing problematic clauses in her contract.
On Sept 13, she filed for an injunction seeking reinstatement as a director at Ador after her term ends on Nov 2. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
