HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk Shares Photo Amid NewJeans Legal Dispute

HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk recently shared a group photo with members of his affiliated girl groups.

On the 22nd, Bang Si-hyuk posted the photo on his social media with the caption "United!" The image features members of LE SSERAFIM, I'LL-IT, and CAT'S EYE posing affectionately around Bang, who has recently garnered attention for his successful weight loss and bright smile.

The photo was reportedly taken during LE SSERAFIM's tour at the Inspire Arena in Incheon on the 19th and 20th. Notably absent from the photo were members of NewJeans, who are currently embroiled in a legal dispute with HYBE's label ADOR.

Last month, on the 21st, the Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 50 (Chief Judge Kim Sang-hoon) ruled in favor of ADOR in a case against NewJeans members, granting an injunction to prevent them from engaging in independent activities and signing advertising contracts. Despite the members' appeal against the court's decision, it was dismissed, reaffirming the court's stance on their inability to pursue solo activities. However, the group has filed an immediate appeal.

On the 23rd of last month, NewJeans announced a "temporary suspension of activities" during their performance at Hong Kong's 'ComplexCon' and have since remained out of the public eye. The group also deleted their social media channel previously named NJZ, replacing it with mhdhh, an acronym derived from the members' initials. The PR channel, claimed to be run by the parents of the five members, also changed its name to mhdhh. Public sentiment appears to be turning against NewJeans as they attempt to navigate outside the bounds of legal and contractual obligations.

Reported by Jiye Choi, TenAsia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr