ADOR responds to HYBE's sudden audit; addresses plagiarism allegations
What's the story
ADOR has publicly responded to an audit initiated by HYBE on Monday, which includes allegations of plagiarism involving their artist, NewJeans, and HYBE's newest girl group, ILLIT.
The audit was triggered following reports of ADOR's attempts to gain independence.
Per Soompi, ADOR addressed the issue of ILLIT allegedly copying NewJeans's work, stating, "Ironically, ADOR and our agency artist NewJeans's cultural achievements are being most severely infringed upon by HYBE."
Plagiarism allegations
HYBE and BELIFT LAB are the main culprits: ADOR
In their statement, ADOR claimed that the infringement contradicts HYBE's multi-label system, which promotes independent music creation and cultural diversity.
"HYBE operates a multi-label system for various labels to independently create their music and pursue cultural diversity. ADOR is one of those labels."
Furthermore, ADOR accused BELIFT LAB—a label under HYBE—of copying NewJeans's activities for their girl group ILLIT.
"After ILLIT's teaser photos were released, explosive reactions spread online saying, 'I thought it was NewJeans.'"
Impact assessment
'HYBE caused significant damage to both company and artist...'
"ILLIT is being assessed as being 'Min Hee-jin style,' 'Min Hee-jin in type,' and 'an imitation of NewJeans' ... It's a truly shameful situation," the company added.
Further, in their lengthy note, ADOR alleged that the supposed copying by HYBE and BELIFT LAB has caused significant damage to both the company and their artist, NewJeans.
The statement clarifies that ADOR never gave consent to anyone, including HYBE and BELIFT LAB, to replicate NewJeans's concept.
Information
Everything about CEO Min and her role in ADOR
With HYBE holding an 80% stake in ADOR, the remaining 20% is owned by ADOR management and Min herself. Notably, Min played a pivotal role in creating the idol group NewJeans. She initially joined the label in 2019 as its chief brand officer and later ascended to the position of ADOR's CEO in November 2021.
Wrongdoings
ADOR highlighted media's play, wrongdoings of HYBE
In a sudden move on Monday, HYBE announced the suspension and dismissal of CEO Min from her duties, citing concerns about "potential damage" to ADOR's corporate value.
ADOR perceived this action as an attempt by Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, to resolve the issue by removing CEO Min without offering proper apologies or solutions.
ADOR remains committed to utilizing all available means to safeguard NewJeans's cultural accomplishments and prevent further infringement.
Audit response
HYBE sent an audit questionnaire to ADOR: Reports
In response to ADOR's allegations, HYBE has reportedly sent an audit questionnaire to its subsidiary label.
The document details accusations of leaking sensitive information with the intent of gaining control over management rights.
It also includes claims of inappropriate external consulting and breaches such as unauthorized release of private information and irregularities in staff recruitment.
The questionnaire suggests that ADOR's management may have shared important business details with outsiders.