ADOR Audit Exposes Plans To Cut Ties With HYBE, CEO Faces Allegations

HYBE has released an interim report regarding the audit of ADOR subsequent to instigating an audit of its label. ADOR, established by Min Hee Jin in 2021 and housing NewJeans, operates under HYBE, with HYBE holding an 80 percent stake and Min Hee Jin, along with ADOR management, holding the remaining 20 percent.

Previously, on April 22, HYBE launched an audit of ADOR management following suspicions of ADOR’s attempts to break away. ADOR retaliated with allegations of NewJeans’ concept being plagiarized. On April 25, HYBE announced the intention to file formal accusations against ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and associated parties for breach of occupational trust.

HYBE shared the audit findings through a press release. The audit revealed concrete evidence of a scheme to seize control of management under the CEO’s direction. One of the audited individuals provided digital evidence detailing plans to seize control and engage external investors, along with admitting to preparing documents to undermine HYBE during the investigation.

Face-to-face interviews and digital evidence showed the CEO instructing the management team to pressure HYBE into selling its ADOR shares. Conversations included strategies to prematurely terminate artist contracts and void agreements between ADOR and HYBE. Plans like “seeking global investors and negotiating with HYBE,” “countering HYBE’s actions aggressively,” and “inflicting harm on HYBE” were discussed.

Documents also outlined plans to engage in a public opinion battle in May and to strip ADOR to render it a mere shell. A statement from an audited individual confirmed the CEO’s intent to eventually sever ties with HYBE.

HYBE CEO Park Ji Won expressed regret for any concerns caused to fans, artists, and personnel during the label system upgrade process. He assured efforts would be made to support the emotional well-being of K-pop artists, who are valued assets.