HYBE CEO Faces Backlash Over Comments on ADOR and NewJeans
Lee Jae-sang, the CEO of HYBE, has come under fire from fans for remarks he made concerning the ongoing controversy involving ADOR and the popular K-pop group NewJeans, also referred to as NJZ. As reported by Yonhap News on March 31, 2025, Lee addressed shareholders in a meeting held in Mapo-gu, Seoul, where he discussed various subjects including BTS’s anticipated comeback, the introduction of new talent, and the challenges that have faced the agency throughout the past year.
Addressing Shareholder Concerns
A significant point of discussion during the meeting involved the issues that arose at ADOR in 2024 and the agency’s current evaluations of its actions in response. During the session, a key question from shareholders was:
“What are the plans to strengthen HYBE’s governance in relation to the ADOR incident?”
Responding to this inquiry, Lee stated:
“I said at last year’s shareholders’ meeting that it would take time, but I would respond one by one based on principles. I think the results are coming out one by one.”
Fan Reactions to Controversial Remarks
However, the controversy deepened when the Korea JoongAng Daily connected Lee’s comments to NewJeans’ unexpected departure from the agency in November 2024. The article noted that the agency has taken “disciplined measures” against NJZ, suggesting that the girl group is now facing repercussions. This report quickly spread across various social media platforms, igniting outrage among fans who accused the agency of engaging in a media manipulation campaign against the group.
Fans expressed their frustration on X (formerly Twitter), voicing their discontent with Lee’s statements. Here are some excerpts from their reactions:
“This is NASTY WORK. Like disgusting,” commented one fan.
“So he kinda admits that HYBE is after the hate campaign? Too bad Korean judges are too stupid to get it,”another user expressed.
“There is no such order for the girls to ‘return to Ador and continue their activities as NewJeans.’. .. Media play. .. LIES!”a fan highlighted.
Varied Opinions Among Fans
Despite the controversy surrounding NJZ, fan opinions varied. Some provided commentary on their feelings towards the situation:
“I don’t even like NewJeans but this man is so sick,”remarked a user.
“I like NewJeans/NJZ. I hope they can somehow come to a settlement so they can continue their activities,”another fan shared.
“Not a fan of NJZ but there’s no way I’m gonna side with this man,”concluded another user.
Future Plans for BTS and HYBE
At the same meeting, Lee Jae-sang also shared exciting news about BTS’s upcoming return in 2025. He confirmed that all members, including RM, Suga, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, will complete their military service by June 2025 and discussed the preparation needed for their comeback.
He elaborated:
“BTS members are scheduled to return after completing their military service at the end of the first half of this year, and they will need time to prepare and work for their activities post-return. The company is also discussing and preparing with top-tier composers, but the artists (BTS members) need to think carefully and prepare.”
Lee further explained HYBE’s new strategic direction:
“Usually, we work on a song, release an album, and then go on a tour. However, since BTS has already become a global top artist, we are continuing to discuss their vision and ‘next,’ so we need to think about the direction and align with it.”
NewJeans’ Recent Developments
Turning to NewJeans, the girl group performed at the ComplexCon music festival in Hong Kong on March 23, 2025, presenting their new track “Pit Stop.”Interestingly, the group announced a hiatus without notifying ADOR and subsequently lodged an objection against a court ruling on March 24, 2025. This ruling favored ADOR, permitting them to maintain their agency status while restricting NJZ from signing advertising contracts with other entities.
The next court hearing to confirm the validity of ADOR’s contract with NewJeans is set for April 3, 2025.
For more details and reactions, you can check the source here.