Hello and welcome to another great edition of In Case You Missed It! This week it was a drama-filled week this week, with various in-fighting happening at HYBE. Where we HYBE accused the CEO of ADOR, Min Heejin of attempting to exercise a coup from the conglomerate. In addition to this, there were also various rumours and conspiracy theories going on surrounding HYBE, as well as new releases from NCT’s Doyoung, Zico & more. So make sure to keep reading if any of these topics interest you.
BY POLARIS_TAE
MONDAY
#1- The Min Heejin/ADOR x HYBE scandal ruled the headlines throughout the week. ADOR kicked off the week by sharing their official stance on fellow HYBE group, ILLIT. They dropped an official statement accusing ILLIT — that debuted under HYBE’s BE:LIFT LAB label — of copying NewJeans and blatantly criticising the group for being an ‘imitation NewJeans’. The statement further went on to criticise its parent company HYBE and its founder Bang Si-hyuk. The statement detailed that the label and its chairman are “blinded by short-term profits and copies [the] successful cultural content” produced by Min Heejin for NewJeans. The label also stated that “ADOR has already raised an official issue with HYBE and BE:LIFT LAB” regarding a series of issues related to NewJeans (including the plagiarism allegations). Following ADOR’s official statement, HYBE took to the media to share with XportNews that they had officially invoked the ‘right to audit’ their sub-label [ADOR] after it had come to light that the agency was looking to detach itself from HYBE. Later that same day, the label officially launched the audit process against ADOR.
#2- ILLIT took to social media on Monday to share the name of their official fandom. Sadly, it would be announced that they would be changing their fandom name after it was found that the name that they had chosen, LILLY, was too similar to BLACKPINK Lisa’s fandom name (LILLY) & the first name of NMIXX’s main vocalist, Lily, thus necessitating the name change. What name do you think would be a great alternative?
#3- Our final update for Monday concerns the various contract negotiations that took place throughout the week. More artists made their departure from the Jay Park-founded label, AOMG this week. The label’s former co-CEO, Simon Dominic left the label on Monday after 10 years with the company. Then on Friday it was announced that Code Kunst would also be leaving AOMG. Now moving on and BB Girls officially departed their label of one year, Warner Music Korea, in order to establish their own company: BB Girls Company. Sadly, this exciting announcement came with some regretful news as well. It was shared that Yujeong would be officially leaving the group. This left the remaining BB Girls members to reorganise the group into a trio.
TUESDAY:
#1- The drama between HYBE & Min Heejin didn’t stop on Tuesday. After announcing their plans to conduct an audit on the subsidiary [ADOR] on Monday, the label later requested the return of the company laptops of all ADOR staff, including the one provided to ADOR CEO, Min Heejin. However, HYBE shared on Wednesday that, while all other ADOR staff including VP ‘A’ successfully handed in their devices on time, Min Heejin herself failed to comply with the label’s request to return all of her devices and company information assets by 6pm on the 23rd of April. Meanwhile, the day prior the CEO of HYBE Labels, Park Jiwon, shared a company-wide email detailing the takeover plans coordinated by Min and the wider ADOR staff. Park divulged that the hostile takeover at ADOR was planned before ILLIT even made their debut — which Min says her main grievance with the label stems from — while also addressing ADOR directly stating that HYBE’s main priority remains with the artists — NewJeans — in order to ensure that they are not shaken by this internal disagreement. Park later addressed BE:LIFT stating that he, “knows better than anyone how hard they worked on ILLITs debut and to not be hurt by untrue statements and to continue to work hard for the groups’ success.” Then again on Wednesday, HYBE shared with Channel A News that they had discovered a critical document document during their internal auditing process of ADOR titled “Project 1945”. The document, written last month has been a crucial piece of evidence detailing ADOR’s plans to secede from the wider HYBE label in order to establish its independence. The document reportedly contains points regarding lawsuits, civil suits, media play plans, and more. The exact details of “Project 1945” have not been publicly divulged, with only verbal statements from HYBE employees shared to the press.
#2- Tuesday also marked the return of former HOTSHOT & WANNAONE member Ha Sungwoon following the completion of his mandatory military service. Are you happy to see him back?
#3- This week it was shared that Japanese pop duo, YOASOBI had signed a contract with the US-based Creative Artists Agency (CAA) for promotions across the Americas. Furthermore, the duo shared that they have a few solo performances lined up across the US as well! The group will be performing in New York at Radio City Music Hall on the 6th of August, followied by a show in Boston at the MGM Music Hall in Fenway on the 8th of August. Are you looking forward to seeing more international activities from YOASOBI?
WEDNESDAY:
#1- We had two concert & entertainment-related announcements this week! On Monday, MBC Show! Music Core in Japan shared the first line-up for their special half-year broadcast. Fanatsy Boys, ILLIT, NiziU, NCT Wish & more are set to perform at the two-day event between the 29th and 30th of June at the Belluna Dome. Then on Wednesday it was announced that mimiirose will be performing at the 1st Superhero concert on the 1st of May. Are you looking forward to any of these upcoming events?
THURSDAY:
#1- On Thursday, Min Heejin held a press conference where she went into details regarding her conflict with HYBE as well as her souring relationship with the label’s founder, “Hitman” Bang Si-hyuk. Prior to the press conference, HYBE had released a statement to the media detailing that Min had previously divulged company secrets with a shaman that she was in regular contact with. This involved discussing the BTS members impending enlistment, divulging when would be the appropriate time to seceded from HYBE and more. Now moving on to the press conference, Min addressed the rumours related to her involvement in GFRIEND’s disbandment, which had arisen after it came to light that Min Heejin — in order to create and manage NewJeans — had taken Source Music’s people and resources over to ADOR to prepare for the group’s initial debut. In addition, it was shared that Source Music had to bare the training costs of all of the NewJeans trainee debt, despite the members not being under Source Music at the time. This led many to believe that Min had been indirectly responsible for the disbandment of GFRIEND, as her actions left Source Music in too much debt to manage the girl group — who were immensely successful at the time of disbandment — while also leading netizens to believe that LE SSERAFIM’s initial debut was rushed in order for source to recover NewJean’s training costs. This is an accusation that the ADOR CEO has staunchly denied by stating that the disbandment of the group had absolutely nothing to do with her. She further went on to criticise HYBE for putting profits over everything else, and stated that she wished that the label would operate in a similar way to SM Entertainment. Presumably in the way it has only one girl/boy group per idol generation, rather that the multiple groups that HYBE has been operating out of its various sub-labels. Overall, it was a very eclectic press conference, where the ADOR CEO launched into various criticisms against both HYBE and its executives. Nevertheless, she was seemingly able to sway the Korean public into supporting her as a disgruntled employee, despite the fact that she is the highest paid HYBE executive within the label. HYBE would later refute her claims in a detailed statement released the following day.
FRIDAY:
#1- There were various comeback and debut announcements shared throughout the week! On Monday, BIBI & GOT7’s Jackson shared that they would be releasing a collaboration through 88rising. The collaboration was officially released on Friday. Then on Friday, BTS’ leader RM revealed that he will be dropping his 2nd solo album, “Right Place, Wrong Person” on the 24th of May. Following RM’s comeback announcement, several netizens concluded that HYBE was attempting to block NewJeans success after they found issue with RM’s comeback taking place on the same day that NewJeans are scheduled to make their comeback with their latest single-album. HYBE later shared that they had already discussed the release date with CEO Min. They were reportedly told by her that the clash between the two releases was no problem, which led BigHit to proceed with the originally planned release date. Then in Japan, we have idol groups preparing new releases! LDH’s defunct unit, SG5, also known as Sailor Guardians 5, are preparing to rebrand under the new name f5ve. Meanwhile, the Produce 101 Japan the Girls associated group IS:SUE — sister group to ME:i — will be making their debut on the 19th of June. Are you looking forward to any of these upcoming releases?
#2- The KBS Joy travel variety program, “Pick Me Trip” found itself in hot water after its cast and crew — a total of 30 individuals — found themselves detained for filming without a permit. The cast and crew of the “Pick Me Trip” program ultimately had their passports confiscated while they were being questioned by the Balinese authorities. SNSD’s Hyoyeon, Apink’s Bomi, SECRET NUMBER’s Dita & former-ioi member Lim Nayoung were among those detained. The “Pick Me” cast and crew members would later be released from detention and they — presumably the production staff behind the variety — were fined a 100 million KRW fee for “unauthorised filming”.
#3- There were a few relationship updates as well this week! On Tuesday it was shared that Apink’s Bomi & Rado of the Black Eyed Pilseung production duo are are currently in a relationship. It was also shared that they had been in a relationship for at least the past 8 years. Are you shocked that they were able to successfully hide it from the public for so long? On Wednesday, Japanese soloist Kyary Pamyu Pamyu shared that she was pregnant with her first child. This comes following her 2024 marriage to actor Hayama Shono. Then on Friday it was shared that ALICE’s Sohee would be leaving the entertainment industry following the announcement that she would be marrying a businessman 15 years her senior. While on Sunday, actor and former TOUCH member Sunwoong took to Instagram to announce that they had officially tied the knot. We congratulate the pair and wish them our best!
SATURDAY:
#1- There were four separate disbandment announcements this week. On Monday, FNC took to social media to announce the official disbandment of Cherry Bullet. Four members — Remi, Haeyoon, Jiwon & May — would be leaving FNC, while Yuju, Bora & Chaerin would continue individual activities under the label. Then on Wednesday it was shared that the Japanese idol group, Dempagumi.inc would be disbanding in early 2025 after 16 years as a group. Another Japanese idol group, the LDH x HYBE Japan associated girl group, MOONCHILD also announced their disbandment this week. The group made their debut in May 2023 with the EP, DELICIOUS POISON. The following day, it was revealed that Kep1er had not reached an agreement in regards to a possible contract extension and, as such, would be officially disbanding in July. Our final disbandment update concerns Kpop group NATURE. On Saturday it was shared that the idol group would be disbanding after almost six years together. Are you sad to see these groups go?
SUNDAY:
#1- Our final update of the week concerns HYBE & BTS. During the latter half of the week, HYBE was accused of a — currently unproven — theory of being involved in a cult. According to several online communities accused the conglomerate of having ties to Dhan World, or Body & Brain, a cult-like organisation founded by Ilchi Lee (Lee Seung-heun), who also founded Global Cyber University. A college that various Kpop idols such as members of ATEEZ & BTS, as well as Stray Kids’ Hyunjin have all previously attended. The organisation in question is described by Rolling Stone as the ‘yoga cult‘. A psuedo-science based cult-like organisation that while rooted within Korea, has also begun to establish itself abroad. Most notably in the US where they have been known to recruit directly out of American universities. The groups “yoga” practices — according to Rolling Stone — reportedly consist of training in martial arts rather than traditional yoga, while also engaging in practices such as a head-shaking meditation while holding “palm-size rubber vibrating brains” that reportedly cost over $80 USD a pair. Following this practice, the practitioners will then discuss their feelings in a “sharing circle”. The organisation also holds group seminars where, according to Rolling Stone, believers would begin the morning by punching themselves in the stomach while shouting “I am stupid!” for the low-low price of 8.5K USD! Overall, this cult is a highly elaborate scam designed to generate an endless amount of money to fund an exorbitant life for their founder, Ilchi Lee. The cult has reportedly siphoned over $30 million USD from gullible practitioners within the US alone during a single year-long period. Following this accusation, HYBE has shared with Sports Donga that they are currently “looking into” this allegation, alongside other accusations of favouritism, sagaeji and concept theft, an accusation that they have since denied. Meanwhile, the saegaeji accusations were proven false through a 2017 blackmail case against a former CEO of a contracting firm. Then, directly following this announcement, HYBE’s independent label, BigHit Music released a statement that they would be pursuing legal action against those caught spreading libel or defamation against BTS. BTS is busy conducting their mandatory military service, with their eldest member, Jin set to return in a little over a month. However, they, along with other HYBE groups such as LE SSERAFIM & ILLIT have been caught up in the ongoing conflict between HYBE & Min Heejin. A reminder that these cult-association are rumours and should really be taken with a serious grain of salt. Since, until proven to be true — or otherwise — labelling an agency with the “cult” associated label could be seen as a libel or defamatory statement.What are your thoughts on these developments?
BY POLARIS_TAE
#1. BATTEN GIRLS – DENDERARYUBA!
Japanese idol group Batten Girls — or Batten Shojou-tai — made their return this week with their addictive new release, “Denderaryuba!” Similarly to their Stardust sister group, TEAM SHACHI, Batten Girls also bases their activities out of a distinct Japanese city. For Batten Girls it’s Fukuoka on the Japanese island of Kyuushu. Now if I had to describe the groups’ concept, it would be an various mix of quirky and bizarre concepts that, despite everything, still seemingly fits them. This can be evidenced in the music video, which is an eclectic mess of everything ranging from a member CGed into a sentient banana, to tik-tok trends & the utilisation of sign language. Overall, it’s a great laid back release that works well in showcasing the group’s unique personality, while also giving us a taste of their talents as performers as well!
#2. DOYOUNG – LITTLE LIGHT
NCT’s Doyoung made his official solo debut this week with “Little Light”, the lead single from his debut LP, YOUTH. Doyoung is the 3rd overall NCT-associated member, following Taeyong in 2023 and WayV’s Ten earlier this year, and the second official NCT127 member to make his official solo debut under SM Entertainment. This is likely due to the idol’s upcoming impending enlistment — that he must undertake by 2025 at the very latest — which may also be why NCT’s Jaehyun will be reportedly making his solo debut later in the year. Unlike the idol’s previous work with NCT127, whose genre can largely be described as eclectic and all-over-the-place, this release seems to take inspiration from the Korean power ballad genre, with a hint of Mrs Green Apple influenced Japanese pop-rock strewn throughout. A genre that perfectly showcases Doyoung’s stunning vocals at their best. Now, moving on to b-sides that I most enjoyed were the album’s intro: “Beginning” with its beautiful piano chords and the easy-listening Doyoung x Taeyeon x Mark collaboration track “Time Machine” & the anthem that was “Lost In California”. Overall, it’s a solid first release, and I can’t wait to see more stunning releases from Doyoung in the future as well!
#3. ZICO – SPOT (feat. JENNIE OF BLACKPINK)
BLOCK B leader Zico made his return this week with a collaboration featuring BLACKPINK’s Jennie, who recently established her own agency, ODD AETLIER in order to manage her solo activities following her departure from YG Entertainment. This collaboration with Zico will also be the idols’ first music foire since leaving the label. Through this release the two idols sing an innuendo-filled song about hitting the “Spot!” that is just as overt as Flo-rida’s 2012 ‘innuendo ‘Whistle’ or Rain’s 2008 hit Rainism wih its sexual subtext. Now moving on to the song, and I found the overall release to be a very bold in its lyrical content, while allowing Jennie to showcase her stunning vocals that she often doesn’t have the opportunity to do within BLACKPINK’s group releases. Once again Zico has succeeded in crafting another banger that is looking to possibly join ILLIT’s “Magnetic” on 2024’s list of PAKs.
BY POLARIS_TAE
#1- Despite the tumultuous week for the entertainment conglomerate, various HYBE groups and artists were able to attain new records and achievements! The Zico-produced rookie boy group, BOYNEXTDOOR were able to surpass their personal 1st week sales record with their latest release “HOW?” selling over 530K during its first seven days of release.
#2- BTS’ maknae Jungkook’s debut solo album, GOLDEN took the crown for the most streamed album of all-time released by an asian soloist on Spotify. We congratulate the idol on such a massive achievement!
#3- ILLIT’s “Magnetic” was able to achieve its first Perfect-All-Kill (PAK) this week. But that’s not all. The HYBE-associated idol group was also able to surpass 500K physical sales on the Hanteo (Circle) chart.
#4- Now moving over to Japan and the newly debuted Produce 101 Japan the Girls idol group, ME:i’s debut album, MIRAI has already surpassed 250K sales on Billboard Japan. Congrats!
BY POLARIS_TAE
For this week’s H+ Station Chart update, KISS OF LIFE took the #1 slot with ‘Midas Touch’, while TWICE’s “I Got You” made its return to the chart at #4. Meanwhile, woo! ah!’s “Blush”, TWS’ “Plot Twist” & RESCENE’s “Uh Uh” made their debuts at #5, #8 & #10 respectively . Make sure to check out our chart to see where all of your favourite songs ranked!
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This brings us to the end of In Case You Missed It for another week! Did anything pique your interest this week, and what were your thoughts on the Min Heejin x HYBE scandal. Don’t expect it to wind down anytime soon though. As now that HYBE has officially filed a case against the Min Heejin, it’s expected that we’ll have to wait until the end of June until they’re legally able to dismiss the ADOR CEO. As always, our staff teams — Social Media – Press, Blog Team & Awards — are currently on the lookout for new team members to join our teams. So if any of these positions interest you, then feel free to apply through the linked recruitments above. Our In Case You Missed It team is still in search of a new music reviewer. So why not consider pitching in for this great format? Also, if you’re not aware, we are active on both Twitter — now known as x.com — and Instagram, so feel free to follow us there for more fantastic updates! We’re still accepting feature and promo requests via our feature thread here. Let us know what made your week in the comments below, and we’ll see you again next week with another great ICYMI!
GFX BY @yerm
FEATURED ARTISTS: Riko Ueda (Batten Shoujo-tai), Doyoung, Jennie, Jackson, Cocoro (ME:i)
