HYBE Labels initiated an audit against the music label ADOR. After HYBE Labels’ initial statement, ADOR’s CEO, Min Hee-Jin, issued her stance, alleging the audit had an ulterior motive.
Former creative director of SM Entertainment, Min Hee-Jin, established ADOR (All Doors One Room) in 2021, which created NewJeans, a five-member K-pop rookie act consisting of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein. New Jeans’ debut EP made history with their first self-titled EP, which sold over 1 million copies within days of its release.
Since then, ADOR has become a crucial part of HYBE Labels’ empire, bringing significant sales numbers only with a female group. According to reports, BTS’ company HYBE holds over 80% of Min Hee-Jin’s music label shares.
ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin responds to HYBE’s audit & rumors about being independent
Korean media revealed that HYBE started an audit of ADOR management after suspecting that it is trying to ‘become independent’. Industry representatives further claimed that HYBE had requested CEO Min Hee-Jin’s resignation. The business mogul asked for a shareholders’ meeting to question ADOR’s management team. After initial reports of K-media, HYBE released a short statement noting, “It is true that an audit was initiated.”
Following the allegations, ADOR CEO Min Hee-Jin broke her silence and accused HYBE of copying ADOR’s formula. The 45-year-old art director stated: “HYBE is ironically undermining the cultural success of ADOR’s NewJeans.” She added, “after ILLIT’s teaser image was released, there was an explosive response online, with many commenting that they initially thought [the group] was NewJeans.”
She also claimed that HYBE’s latest girl group, ILLIT, is imitating the aesthetic of NewJeans. “ILL’IT has been copying NewJeans in all activities, including hair, makeup, costumes, choreography, photos, videos, and event appearances.” Fans evaluate the group “as a derivative of NewJeans, with terms like ‘Min Hee-jin style,’ ‘Min Hee-jin type,’ and ‘NewJeans counterpart,'” she said.
The official statement continued: “ADOR already filed an official complaint about HYBE’s attitude toward NewJeans and ILLIT’s copycat issue. However, HYBE and Belift Lab refused to acknowledge any wrongdoing. They are merely coming up with a string of excuses and delaying concrete responses.”
Following Min Hee-Jin’s statement, HYBE representatives said the CEO would be “suspended for dismissal,” saying that her actions “might significantly damage ADOR’s corporate value.”
