HYBE and ADOR CEO in dispute over employee audit
Min Hee-jin, the CEO of ADOR, has publicly criticized an audit conducted by HYBE on one of her employees. In a statement released on Friday, she described the audit as "illegal" and "based on irrational issues." The contentious audit began after work hours on Thursday and extended past midnight into Friday morning. Shortly thereafter, HYBE replied with its statement.
Allegations of coercion and privacy invasion raised
Min claimed the HYBE audit team approached ADOR's style directing team leader after work hours at around 7:00pm on Thursday. They followed the employee from the office to her home, demanding not only her work laptop but also her personal cell phone. She accused the team of overstepping their authority and creating undue pressure on their employee. "The audit team committed irrational behavior including severe threats such as, 'You have to go to the police station if you don't cooperate.'"
HYBE refuted claims, alleged team leader admitted to receiving money
In response to Min's allegations, HYBE issued a counter-statement asserting their audit was conducted within legal boundaries and with the auditee's consent. During the audit process, they stated that the team leader admitted to receiving significant amounts of money and valuables from outsourcing companies over several years with Min's approval. "The team leader then expressed willingness to submit her personal laptop left at home. Consequently, with her consent, only a female employee accompanied the team leader into her home."
HYBE expressed regret over public misinformation
HYBE expressed strong regret toward Min for issuing a statement based on false information and attempting to mislead the public. They also expressed regret about the team leader involved being specifically identified to the media, stating that they had no intentions to disclose this matter to the media. Amidst these conflicting statements, ADOR announced an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of shareholders later this month, on May 31.
