'BTS father' Bang Si-hyuk vs 'New Jeans mother' Min Hee-jin intensifies, overseas fans are divided

As the discord and conflict between Hive Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, known as the father of the group BTS, and Adore CEO Min Hee-jin, the mother of New Jeans, intensifies, overseas K-pop fans are also divided in their views. Furthermore, the industry believes that this incident will set a precedent that will leave a scratch on the status of K-pop.

On the 22nd, it was reported that Hive had exercised its right to audit CEO Min Hee-jin and Adore management. It is said that Hive captured the circumstances in which Adore CEO Min Hee-jin and others were trying to become independent from the headquarters. Accordingly, the Hive audit team recovered Adore's computer assets and began securing face-to-face statements. Hive briefly stated its position, saying, “It is true that the right to audit has now been activated.”

Accordingly, CEO Min Hee-jin defined the incident as 'Aillet's New Jeans copy incident' this afternoon and raised her voice, saying, "When I raised the related issue, I was notified of dismissal procedures." Next, referring to the demand for CEO Min's dismissal, he claimed, "At the same time, the media is trying to play with absurd content, such as saying that CEO Min Hee-jin 'attempted to seize management rights.'"

CEO Min said, "Ironically, the cultural achievements achieved by New Jeans are being violated most seriously by Hive. Eyelet is copying New Jeans in hair, makeup, costumes, choreography, photos, videos, and event appearances," and Chairman Bang Si-hyuk. He attracted attention by harshly criticizing and referring to Aillet as 'idiots'.

Accordingly, overseas K-pop fans appear to be divided, arguing over the claims of Chairman Bang and Representative Min. In particular, Chairman Bang Si-hyuk is called 'the father of BTS' and is highly trusted by overseas fans, and CEO Min is also recognized by New Genes fans with the nickname 'mother of New Genes'. K-pop fans are also becoming divided as it becomes known that those who were grouped together as a pan-hive are in an antagonistic relationship.

Foreign media outlets are also paying attention. British music magazine NME focused on the conflict between Hive and Adore CEO Min Hee-jin, reporting, "Hive and Min Hee-jin are engaged in a power struggle over the label Adore." In addition, several Asian entertainment media outlets showed interest by majorly covering the article.

Adore, a label under Hive founded by CEO Min Hee-jin in 2021, has an 80% stake in Hive, and Adore executives, including CEO Min, own the remaining 20%.

In recognition of his success in handling the concepts and branding of popular idol groups such as f(x) and SHINee at SM Entertainment, he moved to Hive and established Adore. CEO Min launched New Jeans in 2022 and made hits such as 'Hype Boy', 'Attention', 'Ditto', and 'OMG' one after another.

While CEO Min refuted Hive's position and the two sides are sharply divided, Hive is also considering taking legal action after analyzing related data, such as computer assets secured from Adore's management business area.

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr