Members’ parents accuse Hybe of spreading false information, ask for public’s understanding
Amid the prolonged dispute between NewJeans and Hybe, the members’ parents have taken to social media to voice their stance.
On Friday, the parents of NewJeans members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein launched a new Instagram account, stating in their first post, “This account has been created out of necessity to represent our position in the dispute with Hybe.”
“Until now, we had no official channel to express our stance. We attempted multiple times to communicate directly to journalists and media outlets, some of whom thankfully reported our words as they were. However, only a few did so. Even when we tried distributing statements through agencies, headlines were often misleading, making it difficult for our position to be conveyed without distortion,” the parents explained.
They claimed to have received reports that Hybe and Ador were allegedly distributing fabricated information to journalists ahead of the upcoming injunction hearing.
They further alleged that while articles representing Hybe and Ador’s position were published by the hundreds daily, reports accurately reflecting the members’ perspective were either scarce or framed in a negative light.
“We understand that this prolonged dispute may be exhausting for many, however, this account will focus on sharing information that the members cannot easily communicate themselves. As their only current representatives, we hope for your understanding as we strive to set things straight,” they added.
The dispute, which began in April last year with tensions between Hybe and former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, has since extended to NewJeans. In November, five members held an emergency press conference to announce their intention to terminate their exclusive contracts with Ador.
In response, Ador filed a lawsuit on Dec. 3, 2024, to confirm the validity of their contracts.
Earlier this month, Ador filed injunction against the NewJeans members to preserve the agency’s status and prohibit them from signing advertising contracts, among other actions.
The members have made it clear that they intend to leave Ador and recently have even begun soliciting ideas for a new group name.