Media Watch's Byun Hee-jae has launched a fierce critique against Bang Si-hyuk, the chair of HYBE, amid the ongoing conflict involving former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin and NewJeans. He argues that this dispute is fundamentally a battle between creators and capitalists, stressing that ownership should not overshadow the operational rights of the creators who contribute to the work. Byun highlighted that despite Bang's ownership, the creative rights of Min Hee-jin must be recognized, marking an essential point in their discussion. His comments reflect the growing unrest among shareholders as tensions rise within the K-pop industry.
Byun Hee-jae pointed out the ongoing decline in HYBE's stock price, linking it to Bang's actions against Min shortly after NewJeans debuted. He claimed that strategic moves intended to disrupt Min's influence ultimately backfired, leading to significant stock price drops. Byun suggested that Bang's personal animosity towards Min is damaging not only to individual careers but to the value of HYBE itself, indicating that this situation could compel shareholders to seek legal remedies.
Drawing attention to support for Min from various creators, including former S.E.S member Bada, Byun noted the importance of collective advocacy against dominant power figures like Bang. He emphasized that while Bang holds ownership, the creative direction initiated by Min Hee-jin should not be overlooked. Byun’s remarks indicate a shift in how creators and stakeholders may unite against established authority within the K-pop landscape.
As tensions escalate, the board of Ador recently dismissed Min from her position, a decision she is now contesting legally. Min seeks to reclaim her role with a request for reinstatement before her current term ends, reflecting her determination to continue her impact on NewJeans. Meanwhile, HYBE's new CEO stated their commitment to maintaining corporate principles, signaling a potential refusal to meet Min's demands and further complicating the situation.
Amidst these corporate struggles, NewJeans has publicly expressed its dissatisfaction with treatment from HYBE management and is advocating for Min's return. This situation illustrates not only the internal conflicts within K-pop labels but also highlights the challenges creators face in an industry dominated by powerful executives. As the narrative unfolds, industry watchers remain keen to see how this controversy will influence the future dynamics of K-pop.