Latest news with #Hybe-affiliated
Korea Herald
7 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
NewJeans, Ador remain locked in high-stakes legal battle over exclusive contract
The girl group continues to accuse agency of mismanagement, while Ador says contract termination is baseless and driven by former CEO Min Hee-jin The legal standoff between K-pop girl group NewJeans and its agency Ador continues to escalate, with both sides presenting conflicting arguments over the validity of the group's exclusive contract. The Seoul Central District Court on Thursday held the third hearing in Ador's lawsuit seeking to confirm the enforceability of its contract with the five-member group. The NewJeans members, who attempted to terminate their contracts unilaterally in November, were not present in court; only their legal representatives attended. NewJeans' attorneys attributed the dispute to a now-concluded internal audit of former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, which was initiated by parent company Hybe in May 2024. They argued that the audit — and Hybe's subsequent attempt to remove Min — were based on unfounded suspicions. On July 18, police cleared Min of criminal breach of trust allegations filed by Hybe last year; Hybe plans to appeal. The group's legal team further claimed that Ador failed to meet fundamental management responsibilities, alleging that this breach justified the artists' attempt to sever ties. Ador rejected the accusations, asserting that the reasons for contract termination have shifted over time and appear to have been constructed by NewJeans and their legal team retroactively. 'This is an unreasonable attempt to invalidate the contracts after the fact,' said a lawyer for Ador. The agency emphasized its financial investment in NewJeans, citing over 21 billion won ($15.3 million) spent on the group's development and debut. This included 7 billion won for the group's debut album and 2 billion won for music videos. 'Thanks to this support, NewJeans achieved explosive success — something even the court has acknowledged,' Ador's legal representative said. 'Yet despite this, the group attempted to unilaterally cancel its contracts just two years after its debut. Such a move cannot be permitted.' Ador also claimed that Min was the driving force behind the group's attempted departure. According to the agency's attorney, private messages exchanged between Min and former Ador executives revealed that she had been planning to 'take' NewJeans as early as three years ago. The messages allegedly outlined strategies for terminating the exclusive contract, including orchestrating plagiarism accusations against another Hybe-affiliated girl group, Illit, and manipulating media narratives. The agency also alleged that the legal notice to terminate the contract was drafted by Min's legal representatives, further pointing to her involvement. Responding to accusations of mismanagement, Ador maintained it had upheld its responsibilities and noted that each member had already received over 5 billion won in earnings. 'The agency is still preparing for the group's comeback,' Ador said. 'Our staff are waiting for the day they return.'
Straits Times
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
K-pop megastars BTS surpass 30 million Weverse subscribers ahead of comeback
Find out what's new on ST website and app. BTS are currently preparing to release a new album in 2026. K-pop phenomenon BTS have become the first artistes to surpass 30 million subscribers on Weverse, setting a new benchmark for global fan engagement ahead of their highly anticipated comeback in 2026 . South Korean entertainment company Hybe announced on July 19 that more than 30 million fans have now joined the boy band's community on Weverse, a platform designed to facilitate direct interaction between artistes and their followers. Through the service, fans can watch live broadcasts, chat with BTS members in real time and purchase concert tickets and official merchandise. Available in 245 countries, Weverse recorded 10 million monthly active users in the first quarter of 2025 . Since its launch in June 2019, no artiste other than BTS has reached this scale of following. The platform hosts not only Hybe-affiliated acts but also artists from other K-pop agencies, along with actors, musical theatre performers and international pop stars including Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa. To mark the milestone, BTS member Jin left a brief message on the platform, writing, 'I was told to post something brag-worthy, so here it is.' BTS are currently preparing to release a new album in 2026, following the recent completion of mandatory military service by all members. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 1 in 3 vapes here laced with etomidate; MOH working with MHA to list it as illegal drug: Ong Ye Kung Singapore HSA extends hotline hours, launches new platform to report vaping offences Singapore No unified guidelines? Animal shelters chart their own paths on welfare standards Asia Tearful relatives await news of Vietnam boat capsize rescue as death toll rises to 38 Multimedia How to make the most out of small homes in Singapore Singapore Minor Issues: Why I didn't send my daughters to my brand-name primary school Opinion I thought I was a 'chill' parent. Then came P1 registration World Diplomats dismissed: Inside the overhaul reshaping Trump's foreign policy BTS also released their first live album, Permission To Dance On Stage – Live, on July 18 , which captures the band's concert series from 2021 to 2022 , held in Seoul, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Korea Herald
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Hybe launches first-ever integrated multilabel global audition
Applicants can try out for 8 labels at once; Grammy-winning producer Ryan Tedder joins the search Hybe is launching its first integrated audition under the Hybe Music Group, aiming to discover the next wave of K-pop stars. The K-pop powerhouse will hold the 'Hybe Music Group Audition,' the first company-wide audition involving all labels under the Hybe Music Group umbrella. This unprecedented audition allows participants to apply to all eight Hybe-affiliated labels with a single application. The labels include Big Hit Music, Belift Lab, Source Music, Pledis Entertainment, KOZ Entertainment, Ador and YX. Additionally, "Hybe X Ryan Tedder" — a special audition with four-time Grammy-winning and multiplatinum producer Ryan Tedder — is also part of the lineup. The audition is open to anyone born in or after 2007, regardless of gender or nationality. Applicants can showcase their singing, dancing, or any other talent that highlights their individuality. Online submissions will be accepted from July 14 to September 7. In Japan, applicants will also have the chance to apply in person at a special pop-up event, which will take place at MIL Gallery & MIL 2ND in Shibuya, Tokyo, Aug. 27–30. Meanwhile, Hybe continues to expand its global reach through Hybe Music Group APAC, which oversees its operations worldwide. The company is nurturing artists not only through its US-based branch Hybe America but also through Hybe Japan and Hybe Latin America. A new branch in India is scheduled to launch in September or October.
Mint
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
BTS set for full-group comeback in March 2026: Report
BTS is expected to make a full-group comeback in March 2026, according to an exclusive report by The Korea Herald. Multiple industry insiders confirmed that all seven members of the global K-pop sensation are preparing to reunite after completing their mandatory 18-month military service. Suga, the final member currently enlisted, has been discharged today, June 21(Saturday). His return has marked the completion of service for the entire group, fuelling anticipation about their next steps. 'BTS' comeback date is set for March next year,' a Hybe official confirmed through The Korea Herald's source. Two additional overseas sources echoed the statement, confirming that the group is working toward resuming group activities early next year. Another source revealed that BTS is expected to return in mid-March, possibly around the same time as their labelmates Tomorrow X Together (TXT). 'While the exact date is unknown, I think it will be mid-March. I heard BTS is returning in the same month as their brother group Tomorrow X Together,' the source said. 'It could be BTS first, then TXT — or the other way around.' Meanwhile, Enhypen, another Hybe-affiliated group under Belift Lab, had reportedly planned their comeback for March but moved it to January to avoid overlapping with BTS. At a shareholder meeting earlier this year, Hybe CEO Lee Jae-sang stated, 'We're preparing alongside top-tier producers, but the artists also need time to reflect and prepare.' This suggests that while planning is in motion, the group's return will not be rushed. Jin is set to begin his solo fan concert tour 'Runseokjin_EP.Tour' from June 28 in Goyang, with 18 shows scheduled across Asia, the US, and Europe until August 10 . Given these commitments, a group comeback in 2025 appears unlikely. Despite mounting excitement, Big Hit Music has stated that BTS' comeback schedule has 'yet to be finalised.' However, industry watchers suggest the possibility of a pre-release single or project ahead of the full comeback.
