Backstory
I've been into Kpop for more than 2 years (I got in during lockdown) and I know (at least to some extent) how the Korean industry works. The slave contracts, the countless training sessions and the blood, sweat and tears (literally) are what makes Kpop the most interesting and depressing industry of them all. And we may advocate for changes in it, because this industry (administratively) sucks ass and should be illegal most of the terms and conditions that the trainees and idols face day to day. This applies to all industries as well.
I stan BTS, EN- and LSF, also casual listener of other groups such as TXT, AESPA, ITZY, SKZ, EXO, ATEEZ, G-IDLE, BP (as solo artists) and solo artists like IU and many more. (Is a lot of musical TMI about me but is for you to get the gist of what I'm going to say next).
But (again TMI), I studied back in high school business, particularly in accounting for 3 years and I went to a uni course for a semester on business. So I understand mildly the entails of it and how it works.
Now that's out of the way, let's go to the next point, shall we?
Main event
For those who don't know or are not into the kpop scene and such, there has been a controversy surrounding MHJ (former CEO of ADOR (music label under HYBE), HYBE Labels and recently with NJs and the lawsuit against ADOR. Why? Well, according to HYBE and provided evidence to the courtroom after filing a lawsuit, MHJ was defaming, disclosing private information against HYBE LABELS and Co,, including groups like BTS, LSF, ILLIT and many more under the same company, while violating breaches of her contract plus abusing her power in the company and trying to split-up ADOR from HYBE.
Resulting to MHJ stepping down from being the CEO to Creative Director for 3 years for ONLY NJs and then she was released. However, MHJ decided to quit that position. And for the next few weeks, a big storm came to HYBE after that.
NJ broadcasted a live on Weverse (a Kpop communication app) talking about their conditions if HYBE and ADOR still wanted to work with them. One of those conditions was bringing back MHJ as CEO. Given with a deadline. The deadline passed, and yes ADOR adjusted to their demands except one...the return of MHJ.
Now, MHJ is a controversial figure in Kpop. And a very concerning one, this woman is a certified pedophile and groomer since she with SM Entertainment. And this was reflected on groups like RV and Shinee, and many more under SM.
As a consequence, NJ members are "advocating" for a termination of their contract with ADOR (their label) due to mistreatment and contract violation from their part. Claiming that they won't pay for fees due to this termination and that their case for their claims is solid. But that is not the case apparently, since none of their claims seem to be backed up. And their contract is still active with the label.
My opinion The situation is getting worse for everyone, especially for NJ. The girls are in a complicated problem that they, most likely, developed it themselves by throwing their lives to MHJ. One thing is having gratitude to your boss their guidance but other is kissing their ass at every moment and treating them as if they did nothing wrong and that is you and them against the world. Even the parents support her. I'm not siding with anyone but I have to say that all their actions against the company are going to be futile due to the lack of evidence and invalidation of their clams. And them saying that ADOR violated their contract is a huge mistake since NJ are the ones who are violating the contract saying that they are no longer under them and doing things that violate it. Meaning, the ones who are loosing are the girls, with all and career. Is truly a sad situation for everyone.
For reference
MHJ (Min Hee Jin) NJ (NewJeans) SKZ (Stray Kids) LSF (Le Sserafim) EN- (Enhypen) BP (BlackPink) RV (Red Velvet)
Reference https://youtu.be/eyEMkcN73Lk?si=QCgQ4wsaxymvbpqo https://youtu.be/SetopX8i_u8?si=v-2PypVKaHSE7OKT https://youtu.be/AEhHk6E0m2o?si=5Yt0G5fc71rml-iB&t=2618 https://youtu.be/0yXJqWP2DXY?si=G0lurBtzI4MvlhJi
This is only an insight of the issue and how I feel about it, I don't have a reason to hate/discriminate against them. I may understand that some of you might have different opinions on the matter, however be respectful about it. Just don't be an asshole.
love,
~lovely