Sunday, May 19, 2024

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For those who have no money, getting investment because of your talent is also a skill. It's not a sin to be able to work because of other people's investments. I have repaid more than ten times the amount of what they invested in me in a very short time. I also have provided value that can't be measured by money. Therefore, I don't understand why I'm being framed as a traitor and an egoist just because I started with their investment. Where has the value I have given to HYBE disappeared to? I thought you brought me on board because you wanted that value?

If I had just gone along, I would have received a lot of money when my term ended. However, I took the risk and proceeded with internal whistleblowing because there are important values I want to protect. 

Would a person whose main goal is money go through the trouble of whistleblowing and fighting? And then attempt a legally impossible method that needs approval from HYBE? It doesn't make sense.

theqoo

-My thoughts exactly. 

-Not only that, Min Heejin also brought K-pop back to life when it was going down fall. 

-If she returned more than she was expected to, that should be enough. Why do HYBE act like they did her a huge favor??

-More than 10 times?? She must be talking about the sales, then. She can't say that she have repaid the amount HYBE invested in her with the sales. 

-Who's actually committing the breach of trust here?

-They invested in her, not sponsored her. I don't understand why HYBE is boasting so much. They have already taken all the profits she made, so how is she a traitor?

-Repaying the investment and making 10 times the amount of they invested in her are very different things. I'm not trying to downplay her, but her claim of repaying more than 10 times of the investment could be misleading. 

-Saying 'Repaid more than ten times the investment' in an official statement is the problem. Who uses sales figures to claim they've repaid an investment?

-You want data? Here it is. For 2022 there's no net profit, so let's skip that. As of December 31, 2023: Capital = 16.1 B KRW, Sales = 110.28 B KRW, Net Profit = 26.5 B KRW. Min Heejin's statement about repaying 10 times the investment seems to refer to sales. Claiming to have repaid the investment with sales figures is nonsesne.

-Please explain why it's wrong to claim the sales figures as the repayment of the investment.

CEO Min Heejin: "I've repaid over 10 times the amount they invested in New Jeans, and yet they call me a traitr

Hello, this is Min Heejin.

I'm writing something personal for the first time since the press conference.

The reason why I'm not writing this statement in a formal format is because the matter that I want to address can't be conveyed effectively through the format of an official statement.

I apologize for conveying this stance to the general public, and also for any confusion about why this content is being shared with you. However, I have experienced such bewildered situations since April 22nd. I'm writing this in order to minimize misunderstandings and also to correct the false claims that HYBE made in court. 

I believe those who have seen my honesty at the press conference will understand that I'm a very straightforward person. The reason behind the honesty in this post is because the situation is very serious. I am the one who experiences all of this. I will not take serious matters lightly.

1. I want to talk about the Naver-Dunamu incident.

A friend of mine, Mr. A, invited me to dinner on March 6th, 2024 at 7:30 PM. 

A told me not to feel uncomfortable because his longtime friends would also be there, and indeed, the people I met were all friendly and older than me.

During dinner, one of A's acquaintances mentioned inviting another acquaintance, and at that time, I didn't know who it was. About an hour later, A's acquaintance arrived, and at first, I didn't recognize him. When he introduced himself, I learned that he was Mr. C from Dunamu,  who had expressed interest in meeting me through Chairman Bang Sihyuk a long time ago. He said he also wanted to attend this dinner because he was interested in New Jeans and curious about me as a producer. Meanwhile, I didn't know about this, Mr. B from Naver, who had connections with all the attendees, also ended up joining. Regardless of my intentions, everyone gathered there, and the gathering concluded as a private event unrelated to investments, where all attendees could testify if necessary.

Unlike HYBE's media-play, that's all that happened during the dinner. 

On what basis does HYBE make false claims, when they were not even present in that dinner?

Mr. C expressed a desire to attend New Jeans' Tokyo Dome concert, and my conversation with him ended with brief discussions about the Tokyo Dome concert. With Mr. B, I only exchanged a few private messages about personal concerns.

On the way home after dinner, I mentioned to Mr. L about the people I coincidentally met that day, and Mr. L suggested in a conversation that if a company like Dunamu (which is one of the investors in HYBE) were to become the owner of ADOR, both HYBE and ADOR could benefit. However, this idea is impractical. We are well aware that without HYBE's consent, this cannot come to the realization. Since it was my first encounter with Mr. C from Dunamu that day, we couldn't even have discussed such matters.

As the CEO of ADOR, I have always felt like ADOR is treated like an 'Outsider' within HYBE as we always suffer from subtle harassment and exclusion. I've wondered if it's a sin to imagine escaping from an inevitable perpetrator.

Living in a world where "thoughts are censored," I wonder what exactly becomes a problem, and I also want to censor the thoughts of HYBE's executives.

Mr. L, after joining ADOR, was surprised to learn that ADOR was suffering so much from HYBE. He asked me, "How have you endured it all this time?" For this reason, Mr. L and I only discussed methods and responses to avoid various harassment from HYBE, but HYBE captured and maliciously manipulated this conversation as if it were some conspiracy.

It's still unbelievable that I have to explain the story of a private meeting in such detail, as if explaining an alibi for a crime.

I wonder if HYBE has found the Saudi sovereign wealth fund that they accused me of. 

And it's surprising how HYBE has been involving people who are friends with them in difficult situations, taking advantage of them.

Is it reasonable to propose an acquisition to people you've just met at a dinner with friends? I repeat, if there needs to be a clear confirmation of this, I request a four-party meeting, including HYBE.

I have never made such proposals to Naver or Dunamu, so HYBE should check if they have ever received acquisition proposals from Naver or Dunamu. Instead of beating around the bush, please confirm the 'purpose of the meeting and the conversations' I exchanged with them during the dinner. 

I'm mentioning this because I know they were going to come up with articles "Min Heejin admitted to meeting Naver and Dunamu." When I said "I didn't meet those investors," what I meant was "I didn't meed them for the purpose to take over the management rights." I'm saying this to prevent any misunderstandings from their ambiguous statement.

People can hold various social positions, such as CEOs, lawyers, doctors, teachers, and so on. For instance, at a school parents' meeting, no matter what social positions do those parents have, it is still called 'Parents' meeting' and can't be considered at 'Lawyers' meeting' or 'Investors' meeting' just because the parents are lawyers or investors. 

Even so, what's the problem of a CEO of a company meeting an investor? Are they being suspicious jut because a CEO of HYBE's subordinate label met an investor?

Also, why were there no proposal or inquiries before the audit?

Even with sufficient reasons to discuss through internal whistleblowing documents, why didn't they notify us beforehand? According to the "Investigation Rights of Subsidiaries under the Commercial Law," it states, "Considering the independence of subsidiaries and parent companies, first, the parent company's audit committee can demand an investigation report from the subsidiary, and if the subsidiary does not comply with the investigation report request or if the report is insufficient, it can directly conduct an audit."

Why did HYBE do an illegal audit just because their stock price dropped? Also, I'd like to point out that all evidence that HYBE has presented so far were obtained in illegal ways.

No matter how much you insist or force to, if it didn't happen, then it didn't happen.

Please refrain from framing me with wordplays like "So, did you meet with investors or not?

2. Human affairs and relationships are complex. They can't be simply explained with a few lines of text on KakaoTalk

There's no reason for excuses, nor is there a need for explanations.

My personality, usual way of speaking, joke style, and the context of the situations and conversations are not something that can be simply judged by those who don't understand the whole conversation. I am confident that anyone would find themselves in a situation like mine if they were manipulated in such a manner that HYBE has done to me.

New Jeans and I have experienced numerous events and situations that you may not be aware of. While I cannot explain all of them here, there is no need for explanations, and unnecessary explanations would involve revealing personal information of others and create unnecessary conflicts. Despite the many things you may not know about, our relationship has grown stronger and more resilient through the numerous challenges we've faced together, including those that are deeply personal and unimaginable to others.

In some ways, it seems that the idol business, which I've been involved in for over 20 years, is what has made us who we are today, even though we still don't fully understand it.

In a biased business environment, starting a business with young friends using someone else's money was incredibly tough.

Most people are not born wealthy. For the majority, coming from ordinary households and securing business funding with their own money is just like reaching for the stars. Being able to attract investment with talent when you have no money is also a skill. Initiating work with such investment is not a sin, and despite repaying more than ten times the initial investment within a short period, and returning it with immeasurable value not quantified in monetary terms, I fail to understand why I should be subjected to absurd framing as a betrayer or an egoist just because I started my business with their investment. Where did the value I provided to HYBE disappear to?

The idol business I experienced was full with contradictions. Trying to make money while prioritizing the safety of these young girls is never easy. 

If I had been less compulsive, things might have been smoother. If I was just a boss who aimed to make money and not more, things wouldn't have been so hard. My passion for doing things right may have become a poison, making me blame myself countless times, but looking back on what has passed, I regret nothing.

Going through all the hardships, joys, and challenges together, New Jeans and I feel like family, but not just any family – we've formed a bond that's stronger than simple family ties. So, my relationship with New Jwans is more than what you might think.

Right after they publicly revealed the fake Kakao Talk messages, all the members sent me comforting texts. It wasn't just any comforting message; it was overflowing with love. The messages kept coming until the next morning. I cried not because I was misunderstood or criticized by strangers but because it's unfair for everyone to go through such awful things. It's sad to see people falling for obvious manipulation, when it's not their fault.

However, if you care even a little about New Jeans, what you can do is try to keep the members from getting too upset about this absurd situation. I've been suing malicious YouTube channels all along, so it's ironic to see this happening.


(NB: I will finish translating the whole statement as soon as possible.. It's..... too long, my head hurts😭😭😭😭😭)

(Still working on it) Min Heejin's first personal statement after the press conference

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'T-ARA's 15th Anniversary Photo...'

It seems like they're going to have something to celebrate their 15th debut anniversary this July

instiz

-Wow... T-ARA is already 15 years old..???

-Please please please... Release something like 'All Kill'ã… ã… 

-Photo...? What?

-Unnie-deuls... Please have a comeback

-Whoa... I'm looking forward to thisã… ã… ã… 

-Oh... I should watch 'Cry Cry' MV now...

-Please release an albumã… ã… ã… 

-I wonder who are going to participate in their 15th debut anniversary celebration...
 ã„´I think only 4 members...

-Did Soyeon and Boram leave on bad terms??

-Why are people so curious about the members who are going to participate in their 15th debut anniversary celebration?? I thought only 4 members are left now??

-Kya... Unnie, please have a comeback!

T-ARA Hyomin Instagram Story

 


theqoo

-I almost stopped watching the drama because I thought the plot was childish, but this plot twist took me by surprise

-After this plot twist, the plot is going downhill...

-I literally screamed when I watched this scene.

-It's absolutely legendary. The girl travels in time several times, but no matter which past she goes to, the boy loves her.

-I was watching this episode while playing a game on my phone. I literally put down my phone real quick when this scene came upã… ã… ã…‹ã…‹ã…‹ã…‹

-I remember putting reminders for 'Lovely Runner' after this scene so that I won't miss itã…‹ã…‹ã…‹

-I was watching while lying down on my bed and quickly sat up straight when this scene came upã… ã… ã… 

-99% of 'Lovely Runner' viewers became fans after watching this scene. I have never watched any scene like this in my entire life.

-He has always loved her all this timeã… ã… 

-This plot twist was insane...

-Even though I already knew it was going to happen, it still made my heart race.

-The best plot twist that ever happens in K-Dramas in my opinion...

-I knew there would be a plot twist, but I have to admit this scene was so beautiful... I literally did a standing ovation when this happened.

-It's insaneã… ã… 

-Ugh... Too childish (Goes to re-watch this scene)

-I was sick for a week after watching this

99% of 'Lovely Runner' viewers became a fan after watching the plot twist in the epilogue of Ep 2

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Iã…‹ã…‹ Listen to ECLIPSE's songs as I work out...ã…‹ã…‹ã…‹

(+ So... Which one? We're curious






theqoo

-Me too, Seok-ah...

-I don't work out, but I do listen to ECLIPSE's songs too

-Me too...ã…‹ã…‹ã…‹ã…‹ã…‹

-I put ECLIPSE's songs on repeat as I go to work and get off from work...

-I listen to ECLIPSE's songs when I go to work... When I work out... When I get off from work... Run Run is the best song for work out!

-I wonder if he listens to Run Run when he works out...

-So cute... Me too!

-Me too... We're meant to be...

-Me too... I only listen to ECLIPSE's songs these daysã…‹ã…‹ã…‹

-Me too. I usually listen to ECLIPSE's songs as I bike, go hiking, and even when I go fishing.

-I listen to ECLIPSE's songs all dayã…‹ã…‹ã…‹ã…‹

-Listening to Run Run when you go on a walk can uplift your mood!

-Always ECLIPSE

-Oh Gosh, me too, you know?

Byun Wooseok listens to ECLIPSE's songs when he works out...

 

by Journalits Yoon Kibaek

Previously, it has been confirmed that New Jeans' parents have submitted a petition through lawyer Kang Jinseok, who specializes in entertainment disputes. 

Lawyer Kang Jinseok stated to EDaily on the 19th, "I was hired to help New Jeans' parents to submit their petition."

There were speculations that New Jeans might terminate their exclusive contract with HYBE after Lawyer Kang was hired. However, this has been confirmed to be untrue. Lawyer Kang replied, "I was just asked to submit the petition."

theqoo

-I wonder if the lawyer expected his appointment to stir a controversy...

-Seems like HYBE is getting nervousã…‹ã…‹ã…‹

-Considering all the media-play they're doing, HYBE seems to be really scaredã…‹ã…‹ã…‹

-HYBE is working so hard even though no one is on their side.

-Look at this dirty negative-publicity. Fans should collect all the articles just in case.

-HYBE is really disgusting.

-It's really pathetic to act like this against kids. If you're not going to promote the comeback, just stay quiet.

-No matter how many controversies they try to stir up, it's useless. Well, what can those spoiled brats understand...

-The more this goes on, the more it seems like HYBE is not going to take care of New Jeans once Min Heejin leavesã…‹ã…‹ã…‹

-Exactly. I find it really ridiculous. There hasn't been a single moment when New Jeans hinting they're going to leave HYBE.

-HYBE really seems to dislike New Jeans...

-I knew it. HYBE is so pathetic, they're trying to ruing New Jeans' image in any way possible.

-Seriously, HYBE's media-play is crossing the lines...

-On other note, I hope New Jeans would sue HYBE for breach of contract. 

-It's funny how HYBE is trying to frame New Jeans as the 'New Fifty Fifty'ã…‹ã…‹ã…‹ã…‹

-Damn... That was HYBE's media-play?ã…‹ã…‹ã…‹ã…‹

-Why does HYBE always end up being exposed so easily?

-HYBE... Who would believe and support that company now?

-HYBE is really disgusting. How long are they going to keep this up?

-Stop harassing New Jeans with your media-play.

Lawyer Kang's official statement: "I was hired to help with the petition." ❌No mention of contract termination. It's all HYBE's media play❌

 
by Journalist Choi Jooseong

According to the music industry on the 19th, the parents of New Jeans' members have appointed lawyer Kang Jinseok, who specializes in entertainment law, back on the 14th, ahead of the hearing of the injunction filed by Min Heejin. 

Lawyer Kang has handled numerous cases related to disputes over exclusive contracts. In his blog, he mentioned his past experiences in reviewing exclusive contracts, terminating contracts, providing legal advice for breach of exclusive contracts, and more. 

The parents of New Jeans' members have submitted a petition to the court through Lawyer Kang. It is reported that the content of the petition expresses their desire to work together with CEO Min Heejin. 

Previously, the parents of New Jeans' members also sent an email to HYBE, protesting the similarity between the concepts of New Jeans and ILLIT. 

On the other hand, CEO Min Heejin has appointed the Law Firm Sejong to handle dispute with HYBE. 

Separately, some speculate that New Jeans' parents decision to hire an entertainment law specialist indicates the possibility of New Jeans' members ending their exclusive contract with HYBE. 

Meanwhile, HYBE's shareholders' meeting to replace ADOR's higher-ups, including Min Heejin, is scheduled for the 31st. The court's decision on the injunction filed by Min Heejin is expected to be revealed before the shareholders' meeting.

theqoo

-Fighting, New Jeans. I hope they can safely part ways with HYBE. It's better for the girls to leave with the director who directed them to success, rather than staying with a company that planned to create copycat groups and put them on a 1.5-year leave.

-Stay strong, ADOR, New Jeans, and Min Heejin

-I will support New Jeans even if they choose to leave HYBE. 

-I'm rooting for New Jeans...

-HYBE's plan to put a 1 y.o rookie group on a 1.5-year leave is enough to sue them for breach of responsibility.

-The petition expresses their desire to work with CEO Min Heejin, not to leave HYBE. How is this anything like Fifty Fifity's case?

-I hope New Jeans can safely part ways with HYBE.

-HYBE doesn't like New Jeans anyway, so wouldn't it better for the girls to leave?? Instead of supporting the group's activities, HYBE completely ignores and disrespect them. It's enough reasons to argue about.

-No parents in this world would just stay quiet if their child gets mistreated. I support them.

-New Jeans should just leave HYBEã… ã… 

-I'm rooting for New Jeans. I hope HYBE goes down completely.

-As a parent, would you want to let your underage daughter stay in the company where the chairman doesn't even want to greet them?ã…‹ã…‹ã…‹ Don't forget that this company planned to put New Jeans on a 1.5-year leave.

-Stay strong, New Jeans. I mean... Who would want to stay in a company that plans to put them in a 1.5-year leave?

-If I were their parents, I would do the same.

-I think they only hired the lawyer to submit the petition...

New Jeans' members' parents hire specialized lawyers for 'Celebrity Exclusive Contract Dispute'

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1. Is she saying that Fromis_9 hasn't received any money since their debut?
2. Is she saying that Fromis_9 hasn't received any money since they joined HYBE?
3. Is she saying that Fromis_9 hasn't received any money this year?

It's really ambiguous, but for now, people are leaning towards 1.

theqoo

-How can Fromis_9 still haven't received any money...?

-Huh... They've been paid 0 KRW...?

-If Fromis_9 were influencers, they would've made a lot of money. It's ironic to know that they hardly make money as idols.

-My idol is also from a mid-sized company and they have already received their settlement. So why hasn't Fromis_9 received theirs? I mean... These girls even held concerts bigger than my idol's...?

-Judging by the way she said it, it seems like Fromis_9 hasn't received anything so far...

-Wait... Fromis_9 is not a nugu group. Does it make sense that they haven't been paid at all??

-Aren't they... Fromis_9..? Does that make sense?ã… ã… 

-Is she saying that the group hasn't received any settlements?? If they still have debts remaining, how did Jang Gyuri leave..?

-They probably didn't make profit as much as the amount of money invested for their activities...?

-How did that one member leave then...?

-Fromis_9 has been active for 7 years... It's a big problem if they still haven't gotten paid at all.

-It's possible for them to haven't received any settlements this year because there have been no activities. If they haven't received settlements since debut, how did they survive until now?

-Does it make sense that a group like Fromis_9 still haven't received any money since their debut?

-I heard they have to pay off the production costs of the survival show... Wouldn't it better to have shorter contract periods if you're going to debut as a survival show group then?

Fromis_9's Park Jiwon: "I will receive my first settlement within this year!! Absolutely within this year!!"