The biggest news in the K-pop industry in 2024 was the conflict between Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of Ador, and Hybe executives. Min was credited for creating visual branding for SM Entertainment's renowned groups such as Exo, Shinee and Girls' Generation. She is also renowned as a former executive producer behind the success of NewJeans, who stood out for their girl next door image and retro sound.
In April, Min was accused of attempting to take control of Ador, a subsidiary of Hybe, and trying to take NewJeans with her. Min denied the allegations and released an official statement claiming that the dispute between Ador and Hybe was caused by accusations that the debut album of ILLIT -- a girl group under Belift Lab, another subsidiary of Hybe -- copied NewJeans' style. On Aug 27, Min was removed as CEO of Ador.
In September, NewJeans went live on YouTube and expressed their concern about the change in CEO and asked the company to reinstate Min. On Oct 15, Hanni, one of the members of NewJeans, testified to the Labour Committee of South Korea's National Assembly regarding workplace harassment and bullying. In her testimony, Hanni stated that the manager of the music label under Hybe told other artists to ignore her.
On Nov 28, NewJeans announced that their contract with Ador would be terminated on Nov 29 at 12am without paying penalty fees because they did not violate any of the contract's terms. However, Ador insisted that the contract was valid until 2029. Since the battl.