In the heart of South Korea's bustling entertainment industry, a storm brews between HYVE, one of the country's leading entertainment conglomerates, and ADOR, a label under its wing, led by the visionary Min Hee Jin. The discord has become palpable, with HYVE accusing Min Hee Jin of attempting a takeover and demanding her resignation, claiming to have irrefutable evidence to back their stance. In contrast, Min Hee Jin defends her position, arguing that her only action was to raise concerns over HYVE's other label, Belif Lab, allegedly copying ADOR's creation, NewJeans.
This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of eagerly anticipated comebacks from HYVE's roster of artists, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their promotions. NewJeans, at the center of the dispute, is gearing up for a comeback on May 24 with their double single "How Sweet" and plans to unveil the music video for "Bubble Gum" on May 27. Their comeback is intricately designed, featuring a total of four tracks, including the pre-released "Bubble Gum" and the title track "How Sweet," setting the stage for their official debut in Japan in June. The group has also made headlines for securing a spot at the Tokyo Dome for their first solo concert in Japan on June 26 and 27, marking a record-breaking achievement for debuting artists.
SEVENTEEN, another gem in HYVE's crown, has announced not one, but two comebacks this year, kicking off with a performance at the Incheon Asiad Main Stadium on March 31. The group has teased their fans with spoilers of their upcoming albums, hinting at a new concert beyond their encore tour "SEVENTEEN TOUR ‘FOLLOW’ AGAIN TO INCHEON." The anticipation is further heightened by the return of leader S.Coups, who had been on hiatus due to knee surgery.
ZICO, a respected artist and producer, is also making waves with his comeback single "SPOT!" featuring Jennie, dropping on April 26. This marks ZICO's return after a hiatus since July 2022, stirring excitement among fans. The collaboration with Jennie has already garnered significant attention, with their recording studio teaser video amassing over 25 million views within five days of its release.
Amidst these developments, HYVE's CEO, Park Ji Won, has stepped forward to address the concerns swirling around Min Hee Jin and the ongoing disputes. He reassured employees and stakeholders of the company's commitment to integrity, emphasizing the importance of not being swayed by the turmoil and focusing on their artists' growth and success. Park's message aims to soothe the anxieties within ADOR and Belif Lab, urging everyone to concentrate on the artists' upcoming projects and their contribution to the K-pop scene.
As the saga unfolds, the Korean entertainment industry watches closely, with fans and insiders alike eager for resolution and success for all parties involved. The resilience of HYVE, ADOR, and their artists may well determine the future trajectory of K-pop on the global stage.
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