HYBE's CEO promises to 'normalize ADOR, support NewJeans'

HYBE will "focus all its power in normalizing ADOR and supporting NewJeans," the conglomerate's CEO Lee Jae-sang said in an internal email on Tuesday following a local court decision dismissing an injunction by Min Hee-jin, the former ADOR CEO.

HYBE CEO Lee Jae-sang [HYBE]

HYBE will "focus all its power in normalizing ADOR and supporting NewJeans," the conglomerate's CEO Lee Jae-sang said in an internal email on Tuesday following a local court decision dismissing an injunction by Min Hee-jin, the former ADOR CEO.

On Tuesday, the Seoul Central District Court dismissed an injunction by Min, which requested for her reinstatement as head of the label. ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE, appointed Kim Ju-young as its CEO on Aug. 27 amid a monthslong legal battle between Min and the conglomerate.

“The prolonged state of disorder over the past seven months has reached a turning point, and the direction for resolving various issues is becoming clearer,” Lee said in the email. “I hope for meaningful progress soon in the renegotiation of Min’s contract as producer for NewJeans.”

Lee emphasized HYBE’s commitment to supporting NewJeans’ growth into “global artists.”

“Although there may be challenges along the way, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to fully mobilize resources to support NewJeans in becoming even more prominent on the world stage.”

Trucks showing messges from fans stand in front of HYBE headquarters in Yongsan District, central Seoul in May. [YONHAP]

Lee also reflected on the conglomerate's future direction, saying, “This situation has been an important reminder of the many steps we must take to ensure HYBE’s growth as a stronger company and to continue improving the music industry’s environment.”

“In the shadow of our achievements, we may have overlooked several areas that now require careful re-evaluation to confirm that we have indeed been on the right path,” Lee added.

“We must address any areas needing improvement and hold parties responsible when necessary. Elevating K-pop in a more advanced and transparent industry ecosystem is essential and adhering to core principles is the best approach.”

HYBE recently came under fire following a National Assembly audit on Oct. 24, during which Rep. Min Hyung-bae of the Democratic Party raised concerns over an internal document titled “Weekly Music Industry Report,” which allegedly contained derogatory remarks about K-pop idols managed by other agencies.

BY YOON SEUNG-JIN [yoon.seungjin@joongang.co.kr]