Fandoms Clash Over Leadership Dispute Between BTS, NewJeans Amid Min Hee jin Controversy
Jason Yim / Published September 19, 2024 09:27 PM
Jason Yim
NewJeans, Courtesy of Ador
The growing conflict between Hybe Corporation and Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of Ador, has sparked tensions between the fandoms of BTS and NewJeans. The dispute centers around Min’s potential reinstatement at Ador, a subsidiary of Hybe, and has divided fanbases, with BTS’s Army voicing strong opposition and NewJeans’ Bunnies rallying in support of Min.
On Monday, a group identifying itself as part of the BTS Army released an official statement on social media platform X, condemning the possibility of Min Hee-jin returning to her leadership role at Ador. The statement cited Min’s alleged involvement in actions aimed at undermining BTS, including consultations with a shaman and media manipulation, particularly during BTS members' military enlistment period.
The Army’s statement read, “We cannot overlook the former CEO’s harmful actions against BTS, and we strongly oppose her reinstatement in any leadership role at Hybe or Ador. We call on Min Hee-jin to cease using artists and fanbases as shields to further her agenda in the media.”
Courtesy of ARMY's X Account
This controversy escalated further when BTS’s Jungkook posted “Artists are not guilty” on his social media account over the weekend. The cryptic message led to widespread speculation, with some interpreting it as a gesture of support for NewJeans. Hybe quickly intervened, clarifying that Jungkook’s post was intended to highlight that young artists should not be dragged into business disputes.
The fanbase of NewJeans, known as Bunnies, has also been vocal, but with a very different stance. Following Min’s dismissal as Ador CEO in August, Bunnies have repeatedly urged Hybe to reinstate her, warning that her departure could jeopardize the success of NewJeans. In a live broadcast on September 11, NewJeans called on Hybe to return Min to her position by September 25, citing concerns about delays in album production and tour preparations.
The Bunnies also expressed their concerns in an open letter to Hybe, stating, “Min Hee-jin’s vision and leadership are critical to the continued success of NewJeans. The group’s distinct branding and musical style cannot be maintained without her long-term strategic insight.”
Courtesy of Big Hit Music
Hybe’s decision to remove Min from her role as CEO was reportedly based on the principle of separating management from production. Kim Ju-young was appointed as the new CEO of Ador, with Min offered a continued role as producer of NewJeans until her contract expires in November. However, Min rejected this offer, citing disagreements over her contractual terms.
On Friday, Min took legal action, filing for an injunction seeking to be reinstated as a director at Ador once her current contract ends on November 2.
The clash between BTS's Army and NewJeans' Bunnies over this issue illustrates the larger challenge facing Hybe, as the company balances the interests of its diverse and influential artists. As the conflict continues to unfold, the focus remains not only on the legal battle but also on how it may affect the future of both BTS and NewJeans.
Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com
NewJeans, Courtesy of Ador
The growing conflict between Hybe Corporation and Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of Ador, has sparked tensions between the fandoms of BTS and NewJeans. The dispute centers around Min’s potential reinstatement at Ador, a subsidiary of Hybe, and has divided fanbases, with BTS’s Army voicing strong opposition and NewJeans’ Bunnies rallying in support of Min.
On Monday, a group identifying itself as part of the BTS Army released an official statement on social media platform X, condemning the possibility of Min Hee-jin returning to her leadership role at Ador. The statement cited Min’s alleged involvement in actions aimed at undermining BTS, including consultations with a shaman and media manipulation, particularly during BTS members' military enlistment period.
The Army’s statement read, “We cannot overlook the former CEO’s harmful actions against BTS, and we strongly oppose her reinstatement in any leadership role at Hybe or Ador. We call on Min Hee-jin to cease using artists and fanbases as shields to further her agenda in the media.”
Courtesy of ARMY's X Account
This controversy escalated further when BTS’s Jungkook posted “Artists are not guilty” on his social media account over the weekend. The cryptic message led to widespread speculation, with some interpreting it as a gesture of support for NewJeans. Hybe quickly intervened, clarifying that Jungkook’s post was intended to highlight that young artists should not be dragged into business disputes.
The fanbase of NewJeans, known as Bunnies, has also been vocal, but with a very different stance. Following Min’s dismissal as Ador CEO in August, Bunnies have repeatedly urged Hybe to reinstate her, warning that her departure could jeopardize the success of NewJeans. In a live broadcast on September 11, NewJeans called on Hybe to return Min to her position by September 25, citing concerns about delays in album production and tour preparations.
The Bunnies also expressed their concerns in an open letter to Hybe, stating, “Min Hee-jin’s vision and leadership are critical to the continued success of NewJeans. The group’s distinct branding and musical style cannot be maintained without her long-term strategic insight.”
Courtesy of Big Hit Music
Hybe’s decision to remove Min from her role as CEO was reportedly based on the principle of separating management from production. Kim Ju-young was appointed as the new CEO of Ador, with Min offered a continued role as producer of NewJeans until her contract expires in November. However, Min rejected this offer, citing disagreements over her contractual terms.
On Friday, Min took legal action, filing for an injunction seeking to be reinstated as a director at Ador once her current contract ends on November 2.
The clash between BTS's Army and NewJeans' Bunnies over this issue illustrates the larger challenge facing Hybe, as the company balances the interests of its diverse and influential artists. As the conflict continues to unfold, the focus remains not only on the legal battle but also on how it may affect the future of both BTS and NewJeans.
