Leaked ADOR texts validate HYBE's claims, exposing internal discord
What's the story
South Korean record label ADOR is once again under scrutiny following the leak of alleged text messages between its officials.
These texts seemingly validate accusations made by parent organization HYBE against ADOR's CEO, Min Hee-jin.
The texts disclose a plan aimed at gaining independence from HYBE by leveraging public and media pressure.
This leak is the latest development in the ongoing legal dispute over control between HYBE and Min.
Plot uncovered
'Making things tough for HYBE, so ADOR can be free...'
The texts reveal an alleged online conversation between Min and Vice President Lee.
In February of this year, Lee delineated ADOR's year-long strategy to Min, emphasizing the goal of "making things tough for HYBE, so Ador can be free."
In one message dated February 4, Lee tells Min, "We have to do something before BTS returns in a year."
The conversation progressed to the idea of leveraging media to shape favorable public opinion—a tactic that Min initially hesitated to embrace.
Network building
ADOR's alleged network building and takeover plans
The alleged chat revealed plans for a meeting with a journalist from a renowned media outlet.
Lee suggests, "First we'll become close to them, and like drizzle falling on clothes, we'll quietly build a personal network of accountants, competitors, investors, outside directors, investment firms, and media outlets," to retaliate against HYBE.
The executives also discussed strengthening ADOR's internal capabilities while forming these external alliances.
Escape Plan
ADOR executives' plan to escape HYBE exposed
In another thread from March, Lee and Min discuss buying out NewJeans, an entity represented by ADOR.
Despite previous refusals to engage with investors, Min was actively pursuing meetings with potential investors interested in NewJeans, with the stipulation that all members be separated from HYBE.
Concurrently, Min publicly criticized HYBE's "manipulation of media tactics," while internally discussing with Lee and ADOR executives the necessity of employing similar strategies.
Twitter Post
Take a look at the leaked chats
MIN HEE JIN
— 구쿠산 (@focusonjeon_) May 27, 2024
KAKAOTALK BY TV DAILY
BTS IS MENTIONED THATS WHY I POSTED pic.twitter.com/UL9RmBvwth
Strategy
Was NewJeans members' parents' allegations also staged?
Further, going by the chats, Lee crafted a memo outlining grievances aimed at undermining HYBE.
These discussions bore striking resemblances to the assertions made by the ADOR CEO during the onset of the internal discord with HYBE, wherein she aimed to "expose" the label.
With both sides' ethical shortcomings exposed, Min also discussed the manipulation of NewJeans members' parents to act as purported whistleblowers against HYBE in the leaked texts.