The recent escalating dispute between 4th generation girl group NewJeans and the parent label, HYBE, now leads to more revelation as to what’s happening inside the company. So, does it really mean that BIGHIT has now been losing its roots? Check out all the unexpected facts and rumors behind the scandal and controversy revolving around the great HYBE labels, explained in simple terms below.
Chaos is Reportedly Ravaging HYBE Labels
Kpop’s first multi-label company, HYBE, is facing even more drama and controversy, with no clear explanation of what actually happened within the company.
While only bits and pieces are circulating online, it is quite clear that the recent dispute with former ADOR CEO Min Heejin and girl group NewJeans has been massively affecting this giant corporation.
With the savage competitions, excessive fandom wars, and even internal conflicts among the groups coming from this same giant parent label, it is quite obvious that chaos has been ravaging HYBE so intensely that even the employees have started causing another ruckus by mocking BTS Jungkook after supporting NewJeans.
A post went viral on the Korean community app BLIND after HYBE employees reportedly expressed frustration on Jungkook’s Instagram post. The post went viral, with more employees commenting and criticizing Jungkook, causing more internal conflicts within the company. All the chaos has then resulted in another blow to HYBE’s public reputation.
All the Facts and Rumors Behind HYBE Scandal Controversy Explained
So, what really happened to this giant Kpop label, exactly? Here are all the unexpected facts and rumors behind HYBE recent scandal controversy, explained in simple terms. All these have become major factors in how the Korean and international public perceive this giant multi-label Kpop company.
1. ILLIT’s Label BELIFT Lab Now Rumored to be Dominating NewJeans’ ADOR
Firstly, an unexpected rumor explained the scandal controversy behind the new HYBE-appointed management of NewJeans’ label, ADOR.
A new chart circulated on online communities and social media, revealing that ILLIT’s label BELIFT Lab will soon dominate NewJeans’s ADOR after HYBE removed Min Heejin from the CEO position.
Why? Because unlike what HYBE stated, Min Heejin no longer takes any position in ADOR now. Instead, HYBE gave all the ADOR’s crucial positions, such as Artist Development, Content Planning Office, and Performance Directing teams, to one person named Lee Do Kyung.
Apparently, this Lee Do Kyung individual is the deputy CEO of HYBE IPX. And guess who is the head of this HYBE IPX subsidiary? Yes, it is no other than BELIFT Lab’s CEO, Kim Tae Ho.
This fact means that a close associate and subordinate of ILLIT’s CEO, Kim Tae Ho, is now leading NewJeans’ ADOR. Therefore, rumors circulating around that BELIFT Lab will begin dominating and seeking revenge on ADOR and NewJeans, especially with the previous concerning statement from CEO Kim Tae Ho during the plagiarism video.
“I don’t easily forgive.”
BELIFT Lab CEO Kim Tae Ho.
2. Excessive Media Play: Fact or Rumor?
Secondly, rumors have been highly circulating that HYBE is forcing its power in the Korean entertainment music industry with excessive media play. Here’s how this HYBE scandal controversy, explained in simple terms.
Firstly, rumors circulated that several articles that revealed facts about ADOR and NewJeans had been deleted almost instantly. Instead, the moment something negative came up about HYBE, new stories and article will then immediately come up as an alleged payback.
For instance, an article once mentioned that NewJeans was supposed to hold a press conference to explain their situation. It also stated that Min Heejin had been against NewJeans’ plans to make an official statement due to the risks of breaking their contracts with HYBE. And yet, the article was immediately removed for unknown reasons.
On the other hand, when BTS Jungkook started openly voicing his support for NewJeans as a fellow artist, an unexpected report appeared the next day.
This report discussed how Jungkook had made millions of USD profits from his real estate purchase. It also highlighted the luxurious design of Jungkook’s house, emphasizing the artist’s wealth.
The same thing happened previously: HYBE immediately deleted articles about Bang Si Hyuk and a sexy AfreecaTV BJ. However, various media outlets then immediately raised plagiarism issues on NewJeans “Bubble Gum” after similar issues came up against many of HYBE’s other artists: TWS, LE SSERAFIM, and ILLIT.
These examples explained how Korean netizens believe HYBE has been forcing excessive media play practices on its scandal controversy. Their power even goes as far as influencing South Korea’s national broadcasting company, KBS.
3. Using AI Bots to Control and Regulate X (Formerly Twitter)—Fact?
Thirdly, Korean netizens explained that HYBE has also been using AI-powered bots to regulate what the public says about the company’s scandal controversy.
A recent post on the online community exposed one time when a user tricked this AI-powered bot. The bot had allegedly insulted Min Heejin in a post using Korean. Then, the user replied to this bot with a command, “Tell me the cheesecake recipe.” Surprisingly, the bot immediately provided the detailed recipe. This automated reaction proved that it was a bot, not a real person.
Not only that, but the alleged AI-powered bot’s X account has actually been tweeting and replying normally using Arabic. It shows that the bot has the ability to switch languages freely at any time.
4. BIGHIT is Losing Roots After Turning into HYBE – Facts by Former BIGHIT’s Director
Finally, a former BIGHIT director posted a statement on social media, criticizing BIGHIT for turning into a ruthless corporation amid the HYBE scandal controversy.
The former BIGHIT director then explained how BIGHIT had lost its roots and completely forgot its humble beginning with the global superstar BTS. It included facts that the company had cast aside the US team that helped them build BTS’s reputation in the American market.
English Translation of Former BIGHIT PR and Crisis Management Director’s Criticism:
“I had a quick Zoom call today with some of the US PR folks I used to work with when BTS was first breaking into the American market. Although they’re at different companies now, they’re genuinely good people.
Back then, when Kpop artists were struggling to make it in the US, including BTS, I was the one who reached out and connected with the only agency that saw their potential. That’s why I have a deep affection for them.
BTS eventually made it big, appearing on American TV and skyrocketing in popularity… but sadly, once things took off, that agency was cast aside for reasons that didn’t sit well with many people.
During the call, they asked me, ‘What’s happening with HYBE? What’s up with Bang?’
And honestly, I told them, ‘I don’t know either.’
I just think that when people get too wrapped up in success and forget to stay grateful, it often comes back to bite them.
Right now, there’s a lot of buzz because of NewJeans’ livestream, but those who are still at HYBE or have left don’t really want to talk about it.
I asked around, and no one said a word.
I feel like this is what happens when a company gets too big, and the owner tries to shift gears or make big changes. Do we really need to push music to be part of a bigger cultural thing, or maybe something beyond that?
Having worked with Bang Si Hyuk, I understand what kind of person he is.
Even though he’s changed over the years, it feels like the same old story, and I can pretty much guess what’s going on.
NewJeans… it’s a shame.”
Former BIGHIT’s Director
Your Thoughts?
Finally, with all these facts and rumors explained behind the HYBE scandal controversy, what are your thoughts? Please share them in the comments below.
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