A high-stakes battle is unfolding in the K-pop industry as fans of the popular girl group NEWJEANS take drastic measures to support their beloved group and its CEO, Min Hee-Jin.
In a bold and controversial move, fans, known as “Bunnies,” have sent funeral wreaths to HYBE headquarters in Seoul. This dramatic protest is a direct response to the ongoing conflict between ADOR CEO Min Hee-Jin and her parent company, HYBE.
A Strong Message To HYBE
The wreaths, adorned with strong messages criticizing HYBE’s management, are a stark expression of fan dissatisfaction. Accusations of neglecting NEWJEANS’ well-being and unethical practices have been levelled against the company.
Among the messages written on the funeral wreaths include:
- HYBE’s business operations is like declaring a death sentence
- Only focused on getting bigger and making money. No. 1 in the K-pop industry that has lost its humanity
- PR trying to kill the subsidiary and legal response neglecting the artist. HYBE, end the multi-label system
- The floating cloud that HYBE wants to catch, the dark clouds that spread out in front of it
- Lost protection of privacy, Lost human rights
- HYBE who is selling their shame away, Congratulations on being the #1 most incompetent agency
- HYBE, stop killing NEWJEANS, stop killing ADOR!
- NewJeans never die, Bunnies never give up
LE SSERAFIM Fans Cry Foul
Adding fuel to the fire, the protest coincides with a birthday event for Le SSerafim member Kim Chaewon, also under the HYBE umbrella, creating a tense atmosphere. This has led to backlash from fans of Le SSerafim, who view the protest as disrespectful.
The underlying dispute between Min Hee-Jin and HYBE involves allegations of a takeover attempt and plagiarism, further complicating the situation.
As the drama unfolds, it remains to be seen how HYBE will respond to this public outcry and whether it will impact the future of NEWJEANS and the company.