ADOR counters HYBE's allegations with detailed statement
ADOR issued a comprehensive statement on Thursday, refuting allegations made by HYBE. The Korean entertainment giant had originally published this statement following a press conference led by ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin on April 25. Expressing disappointment over HYBE's media activities, the statement read, "We deeply regret having to release a statement on a matter other than [news about] our artist again at an important time when NewJeans's new music is being released."
ADOR dismissed HYBE's 'management rights takeover' claim
In the same statement, ADOR dismissed HYBE's assertion of a "management rights takeover," labeling it as "baseless." "The evidence they provided was not intended for a takeover but emerged from ongoing conflicts with HYBE based on 'imagination.'" ADOR reiterated that there was no specific plan or execution related to this claim. HYBE had originally launched an audit against its subsidiary ADOR, accusing Min and other leaders of attempting to assert their independence, a claim ADOR has rejected.
ADOR accused HYBE of privacy invasion and psychological pressure
ADOR has accused HYBE of psychological pressure and invasion of privacy. The company referenced an incident where their vice president was coerced into signing a consent form for information provision. They were told, "There will be no issues if you cooperate with us." However, the following day, their private KakaoTalk messages were disclosed to the media, which ADOR labeled as a severe invasion of privacy and a violation of human rights.
'Distorting the facts...HYBE's attempt to falsely frame Min' as greedy
ADOR has clarified the financial compensation of its CEO, in response to HYBE's allegations. The company explained that Min's "incentive" of 2B won (approximately $1.45M) was a reward for achieving significant operating profit two years after ADOR's establishment, not her salary. "Distorting the facts about the incentive like this and obfuscating the issue by mentioning Min's salary, incentive, and stock compensation can only be seen as HYBE's attempt to falsely frame Min as being motivated by financial greed."
ADOR questioned HYBE's whistleblowing and audit processes
ADOR has scrutinized HYBE's approach to internal whistleblowing and audit processes. The company highlighted that HYBE initiated an audit and demanded CEO Min's resignation mere hours after receiving an internal whistleblowing email from her. ADOR criticized this rapid response as a questionable practice in their detailed statement.
Lastly, ADOR had this to say about NewJeans's debut process
In the final part of their statement, ADOR contested HYBE's assertions about the debut process of their artist, NewJeans. The company accused HYBE of spreading false information about it. Despite various disputes, ADOR affirmed that CEO Min established the company and transferred NewJeans members there for their debut. The firm promised to contribute all of its efforts to supporting NewJeans's activities.