BTS.This is purely my observation and you guys are free to differ

This megathread is about the ongoing dispute within HYBE and the management of sub-label ADOR. Substantial news developments may be posted to the subreddit (outside of the Megathreads). Moderators will only approve posts that focus on statements by relevant parties, official representatives, or legal authorities. Unofficial commentary, fandom activities, speculation, or blind items will not be acceptable. Articles or translations should ideally be presented as neutrally as possible. Titles or content that are obviously sensationalized or intended to persuade readers to one perspective will be removed. English-speaking news outlets that have relatively more neutral reporting include Soompi, Yonhap News, and Korea JoongAng Daily. THIS POST MAY BE LOCKED OR UNLOCKED AT VARYING TIMES based on what the moderators are able to manage during their shifts. Please be patient with us while we work to balance keeping up with the queue and our own lives. DISCLAIMER ABOUT SOURCES: We prefer to focus on official statements from companies or other vetted sources. There will be widespread speculation and rumor-heavy articles, but until presented in an official capacity we consider them unsubstantiated. As Mods, all we can do is compile and summarize, but we are not investigators or journalists. Summary of Previous Megathreads ONE and TWO and THREE contains HYBE's audit of ADOR and Min Hee Jin's 1st press conference. FOUR summarized all events up to April 30th, 2024. FIVE and SIX contains potential ADOR embezzlement, MHJ's injunction and hearing, and a letter from the parents of NewJeans. SEVEN and EIGHT and NINE contains MHJ's injunction granted May 30th and remaining ADOR CEO, HYBE replacing ADOR board members, BELIFT LAB's video regarding plagiarism and lawsuit against MHJ. TEN and ELEVEN and TWELVE contains ex-ADOR employee's sexual harassment case, band Shakatak's plagiarism claim, HYBE 2.0 and ADOR restructuring with new CEO Kim Joo Young, MV director drama, the NewJeans livestream, MHJ's 2nd injunction filing and public events/interviews. THIRTEEN and FOURTEEN and FIFTEEN contains an interview with NewJeans' parents, Hanni and CEO Kim Joo Young at the National Assembly, MHJ's reappointment as director, Kim Taeho at the National Assembly, HYBE's Weekly Industry Report leak, the court's dismissal of MHJ's 2nd Injunction, ADOR board's vote against making MHJ's CEO again, NewJeans' certified letter of ultimatum to ADOR, rejection of Hanni's workplace bullying claim by labor ministry, MHJ's resignation from ADOR, and NewJeans' contract termination press conference. SIXTEEN and SEVENTEEN and EIGHTEEN contains ADOR's 26-page response to NewJeans' certified letter, Dispatch's exposé on MHJ's alleged strategy to leave HYBE, ADOR seeking validity of NewJeans member contracts, KMCA/KOSPO statements concerning tampering, the creation of the 'jeanzforfree' Instagram account, visa concerns, Employee B's MHJ defamation mediation failing, Davolink Chairman details, first hearings for Belift Lab and Source Music vs MHJ damages cases, dismissal of former ADOR VP's workplace harassment case against HYBE/ADOR, ADOR's injunction to halt NewJeans ad deals, and NewJeans rebranding to NJZ. MEGATHREAD NINETEEN covered mid-February to early March. Contains: Reports around Hanni's visa concerns and political involvement of National Assembly member Park Ji Won, NJZ parents establishing and posting to their PR Instagram account, the conclusion of three related allegations of 'workplace harassment' with no charges against HYBE/ADOR or ADOR CEO Kim Jooyoung, the joint press conference of 5 major industry organizations regarding tampering and contractual integrity, and the provisional injunction hearing for ADOR's complaint to restrict NJZ's music activities along with new ad deals until contract validity is determined. MEGATHREAD TWENTY covered the rest of March. Contains: The provisional injunction hearing and results two weeks later granting the injunction in ADOR's favor, NewJeans' activities at ComplexCon, NewJeans' filed objection to the injunction ruling and hearing set for early April, progress for Employee B, and general media/articles around the injunction results. MEGATHREAD TWENTY ONE covered all of April. Contains: HYBE's annual shareholders' meeting, the 1st hearing for confirmation of ADOR's contract validity with NewJeans, the hearing for NewJeans' objection to the injunction ruling and subsequent rejection of their objection by the judge one week later, and the 2nd hearing regarding shareholder agreement termination validity between HYBE and MHJ was designated to run jointly along with the case around exercising put/call options. Articles / Timeline 250422 This day marks one year since HYBE launched their audit of Min Hee Jin and ADOR's management. Happy(?) 1st anniversary of the Megathreads! 250502 The 3rd hearing for Min Hee Jin vs. Belift Lab was set to take place but postponed to July 18th at Belift Lab's request. Each side is due to present their arguments/documents regarding plagiarism issues at the next meeting. (Source: Maeil Kyungjae) 250530 We learned that ADOR had filed for 'indirect enforcement' after their injunction was granted and NewJeans performed at ComplexCon back in March (Filed on April 4th according to the statement from NewJeans' representatives linked below). On the 30th, the 52nd Division of the Seoul Central District court further granted this request. The 'indirect enforcement' ruling means that each individual member of NewJeans will be fined 1 billion won (approx. $725,000) if they continue with entertainment activities independent of ADOR, which would be in violation of the injunction. This enforcement with potential fines does NOT apply to any of NewJeans' independent activities between the granting of the injunction and the granting of this 'indirect enforcement'. These fines will only apply to future activities going forward, or at least until rulings with NewJeans' appeal or the main contract validity case changes anything (next hearing on June 5th). (Source: Chosun Biz, MK Sports) The Korea Herald: Court orders NewJeans to pay Ador 1 billion won for each unauthorized activity Discussion Post Korea JoongAng Daily: Court orders NewJeans members to pay ADOR $725,600 for every independent entertainment activity A statement by NewJeans' representatives was made later in the day primarily acknowledging the indirect enforcement ruling, but reiterating that it is temporary and will no longer have an effect if NewJeans win their appeal of the injunction. (Source: Ilgan Sports) The 2nd hearing for Source Music's damages lawsuit against Min Hee Jin took place at the 12th Civil Affairs Division of the Seoul Western District Court. (Quick recap: 1st was January 10th, 2nd was previously scheduled for March 14th, postponed per Source Music's request). Legal representatives were present. Source Music had a 20-minute presentation prepared, but Min Hee Jin's representatives objected to the inclusion of KakaoTalk messages in the presentation. They claimed the messages were illegally obtained and requested the hearing to be closed/private. Source Music denied the messages were obtained illegally, claiming they were gained from company devices with consent. The court went with a temporary compromise to keep the hearing public, but not allow discussion/display of the messages until they were reviewed again. A special hearing to review the messages will take place June 27th. (Source: Sports Today) 250605 The Seoul Central District Court Division 41 held the second hearing for ADOR seeking confirmation of validity for their exclusive contract with NewJeans. Only legal representatives were in attendance. NewJeans' side primarily argued that ADOR had not met their obligations and that their evidence they were preparing to support NewJeans' activities, like finding a new producer, was inadequate. ADOR's side argued that NewJeans' reasons for allegedly terminating their contract continually changed, indicating they are arbitrary and being made up with retroactive hindsight. The issue of some evidence being collected illegally also came up again from NewJeans' side. Judge Jung Hoe-Il specifically inquired if both/either sides were willing to come to an agreement, encouraging them to do so. NewJeans' representatives strongly indicated this was unlikely as the trust in ADOR had completely collapsed. ADOR's representatives indicated they could see negotiating an agreement once the court comes to a final decision. The 3rd hearing was set for July 24th. (Sources: X Sport News, Maeil Kyungjae) 250612 The next hearing regarding the Shareholder Agreement termination and exercising put/call options lawsuits between HYBE and Min Hee Jin was held at the Seoul Central District Court's 31st Division. Arguments from each side mostly re-tread what we've already covered. HYBE's side argued they were justified in ending the shareholder agreement due to the threat Min Hee Jin posed to the company. Min Hee Hin's side argued the timing of the audit/termination did not align purely with that concern and that some KakaoTalk messages and emails were obtained illegally and not admissable as evidence. HYBE also indicated they had a witness to give testimony at the next meeting, which the court accepted. The next hearing with closing arguments, was set for September 11th for both lawsuits. (Sources: Maeil Kyungjae, TV Daily, Sports Today) 250617 Following up from April 16th when NewJeans appealed the court's decision to uphold the injunction and halt on their independent activities, the Seoul High Court reaffirmed the earlier decision. The court rejected NewJeans' appeal. They determined there was no significant change in the material/arguments presented for the appeal and the original decision to grant ADOR's injunction was justified. There was further clarification that the management conflict between HYBE and Min Hee Jin, and her no longer being NewJeans' producer, did not constitute a valid argument for the alleged collapse of trust between ADOR and NewJeans. The group's withdrawal from ADOR is considered arbitrary, that their artistic freedom or activity is not impeded since they are able to do so within their exclusive contract, and that any damages resulting from attempting independent activities are self-inflicted. (Sources: Yonhap News, NewsPim, News 1) The Korea Herald: K-pop High Court rejects NewJeans appeal, upholding ban on independent activities Post Soompi: Seoul High Court Denies NewJeans' Appeal Of Injunction Decision Looking Ahead: June 27: Special hearing for Source Music vs. MHJ to review KakaoTalk messages as evidence July 18: 3rd hearing for Belift Lab vs. MHJ (postponed from May 2nd) July 24: 3rd hearing for ADOR seeking confirmation of validity for their exclusive contract with NewJeans September 11: Next hearing regarding the Shareholder Agreement termination and exercising put/call options lawsuits between HYBE and Min Hee Jin Ongoing Legal Complaints/Investigations: HYBE's report to the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) regarding potential insider trading by ADOR management (Korea JoongAng) HYBE's complaint against Min Hee Jin for 'breach of trust' (Yonhap) Belift Lab's complaint against Min Hee Jin for defamation (Soompi) and additionally for business interference (The Korea Herald) SOURCE MUSIC's lawsuit against Min Hee Jin for damages in regards to the disruption of business/defamation of LE SSERAFIM (Korea JoongAng) and additionally regarding alleged false claims by MHJ for the launch strategy of N Team/NewJeans (Soompi) British band Shakatak's plagiarism claim against NewJeans' 'Bubble Gum' (Yonhap) Min Hee Jin and HYBE executives filed reports against each other back-to-back (Soompi and Korea JoongAng) Former ADOR Employee 'B' filed complaint against MHJ in relation to sexual harassment cover-up and workplace mistreatment. (JTBC) MV Director Shin Woo Seok filed a lawsuit against ADOR CEO Kim Joo Young and ADOR VP Lee Do Kyung for defamation. (Korea JoongAng) MHJ's lawsuits against Belift Lab's Kim Tae Ho for defamation (Yonhap), HYBE CCO Park Tae Hee and PR Director Cho for breach of duty (Yonhap), and HYBE executives and Dispatch reporters for defamation. (Soompi) (One or both of these might be re-statements of earlier suits.) ADOR's lawsuit to determine validity of their contracts with NewJeans (Soompi) Link back to MEGATHREADS 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 GROUND RULES IN COMMENTS If you have come to this subreddit to discuss anything, you are choosing to participate in a moderated space with rules of conduct enforced by human beings. All users are subject to the discretion of moderators to manage this space even if it's in ways you don't agree with. Do not Insult users, fans, or artists. Don't denigrate a certain demographic of people (age, gender, nationality, etc). NO harassing, threatening, or wishing harm on anyone. Do not incite fanwars, reference old tribal resentments between different fandoms, or assume the worst of fellow users. Do not bring wild conspiracies from somewhere else on social media that have no clear or substantiated sources. Do not accuse other users of being a bot or paid shill. Do not abuse the report button. We report any form of report abuse directly to Reddit Admin. Refrain from linking to or discussing other subreddits. Do not encourage brigading in any way. Allow other subreddits and their mods to run their communities how they see fit. DO mention your sources and any use of AI/machine translation tools for quoting Korean articles. DO take care to link sources responsibly. Seek information sources which are reasonably neutral and are not affiliated with accounts known to insult or hate artists. Keep in mind that Allkpop, TheQoo, PannChoa and similar sites are banned in this subreddit. THE MODS KNOW there will be bots, trolls, bad actors, and oblivious new users coming to the subreddit. We will do what we can to mitigate the impact of them. But you alone are responsible for your own behavior. Express your opinion or arguments without breaking our conduct rules or we will be obligated to remove your comments. submitted by /u/KPOP_MOD [link] [comments]

Hey folks! Over in r/kpop we just posted a new special Town Hall that is focused only on the Flairs we use to help organize our posts based on content categories. Link to r/kpop's 'All About Flairs' Town Hall We included announcements for new flairs here on r/kpoppers and also on r/kpophelp. The following is the section relevant for this subreddit. NEW FLAIRS! Connect - This flair will be used for anything where fans are trying to socially connect with each other. Announcing new K-Pop subreddits or Discords, looking for mutual fans on social media, wanting to meet up at a concert, seeking fans in a region to form a dance group, networking for a fan project, announcing a K-Pop night at a club, etc. Research - Academic surveys related to K-Pop or fandom topics. We'll keep an eye on these new flairs to see if they create any confusion or need adjustments. Let us know if you have any thoughts, concerns, or questions! submitted by /u/alleybetwixt [link] [comments]

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I’ll go first. So many people don’t know this album and it sucks. These boys are so damn talented submitted by /u/MiniJ1021 [link] [comments]

~Vocalist: Minami ~ Dancer: Momo ~ Rapper: Yuki ~ Leader: Sakura ~ Center: Mina ~ Visual: Kazuha ~ Ace: Kaede ~ FOTG: Sana ~ Maknae: Iroha ~ submitted by /u/Ok-Database9509 [link] [comments]

K-pop has always innovated new ways to consume idols parasocially. Each generation's most successful artists pioneer new approaches to parasocial intimacy from the unique circumstances in their particular zeitgeist. After their models are codified, subsequent generations build new fantasies on their bedrocks to create a stratified lexicon of parasocial intimacy. For TLDR, just read the bold. I also have personal commentary at the end when you scroll down :) **First Generation → Idol as Partner (HOT, Sechs Kies, S.E.S)** In the first generation, companies primarily marketed idols as surrogate partners. This was the origin of the “boyfriend/girlfriend” fantasy driving fans to groups like HOT, Sechs Kies, g.o.d, S.E.S. Broadcast Television gave artists controlled exposure that framed their images as idealised yet reachable. Fans consumed them as blank slates onto which they could project all manner of desire, but never had reciprocal access. **Late Second Generation → Idol as Friend / Variety Star (SNSD/SUJU)** By the late second generation, the ideal partner fantasy had become canonised in idol marketing. But now, idols sought favour of the general public by appearing on variety shows and groups such as SNSD and Super Junior showcasing their humour and relatability. Television now mediated intimacy by revealing offstage personalities, shifting the parasocial product from pure idealisation to relatability. **Late Second Generation subversions→ Idol as Artist/ Rebel (BIG BANG, 2NE1)** Concurrently, Big Bang subverted the idol industry's rigid image control and lack of artistic credibility by pioneering the paradigm of 'idol as artist.' They were not merely objects of desire. They were larger than life cultural figures who leveraged their musicianship, performances and fashion to build an image of authentic coolness. Meanwhile 2NE1 popularised the 'girl crush' paradigm, a radical subversion of female idol norms. Rejecting femininity that pandered to the male gaze, 2NE1 validated imperfection and toughness as empowering in a superficial industry. 2NE1’s empowerment operated through **music video aesthetics and powerful performances. **Third Generation → Idol as Artist / Authentic Confessor (BTS)** The baton of artistry and resistance passed onto BTS who, initially inspired by Big Bang's "idol-artist" model, shared their personal struggles and addressed controversial social issues in their music. Hailing from a small company without access to the Big 3's broadcasting infrastructure, BTS turned to SNS platforms such as Twitter, fan cafes, YouTube, and V Live. They built intimacy through informal content that collapsed the idol-fan hierarchy. Social media enabled continuous, dialogic access between artist and audience. BTS didn’t just share music; they shared _process, struggles, and private thoughts._ The parasocial commodity innovated from fantasy of romance to a fantasy of authenticity in a manufactured industry: _I know the real them, and they know me._ In an industry that was made by, and for the Big 3, BTS's success was spearheaded by fans who ardently supported them against opposition from haters, industry opponents, and systematic barriers. Fans felt like co-authors of their success story, not passive consumers. **Third Generation → Idol as Algorithmic Muse of Luxury (BLACKPINK)** 2NE1's successor Blackpink reconfigured “girl crush” from rebellion into _aspirational luxury._ Their parasocial power took advantage of Instagram's visual format and algorithmic funnels that enabled purely aesthetic consumption. Blackpink delivered in the form of meticulous luxury aesthetics, global fashion ambassadorships, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. The parasocial commodity shifted from emotional transparency into a _social ascension fantasy._ Fans could self-insert watching Blackpink in high budget music videos or attending Paris Fashion Week. They flipped parasociality from “I know them” to “I want to be them.” To recap: the partner fantasy, the authentic artist, the rebel, and the luxury muse—each has become canonised in this genealogy. **Personal Comments** If you believe I have made any factual errors, feel free to share them and I'd gladly correct the post. This intends to describe an overarching pattern, not present an exhaustive list. I don't mean to offend if I haven't included your favourite group in this breakdown. My knowledge of K-pop has its limits. That said, if you believe your group has made a parasocial innovation, I welcome you to share it in the comments and I'd be glad to amend my list to include it if I see it justified. I have excluded 4th gen from this breakdown thus far as I wish to make that a separate post. I haven't added it to this one because: 1) I think this post is already long enough. 2) my 4th gen section will be stupidly long, as I'd be attempting to explain a parasocial narrative that's still being written, and thus the burden of proof would rest on me 3) I'd like to first see how this one fares in terms of audience reception. submitted by /u/Livid_Percentage_641 [link] [comments]

Not every songs needs to have a fantasy-themed, IT-boy/girl energy, aggressive dancing, obnoxious facial features, all with AI heavy hooks! The scene needs some Goldilocks Water too. submitted by /u/thecolorofmycapisRED [link] [comments]

It is very interesting - VMA is milking kpop for their very dedication for streaming and voting in past few years and it seems like this year we are not getting any kpop performance. I am more surprised that BP or any of the BP girls (especially Rose or Jennie or both, really) not announced as performers. Or is VMA milking the ‘gotcha surprise’ moment as much as they can? Do you guys think we will have a kpop performance/s this year? Will any of the nominated kpop idol/groups be invited/and attend the VMA this year? What are your guesses? submitted by /u/Many-Ad-9007 [link] [comments]

I LOVED both these songs when they came out and I had an attachment for all of these members because of the Produce 101 Season 2 series. Just wanted to put out this post to remember them MXM - I'm The One Hands down, my favorite debut song of all time because I love this genre as it's youthful and vibrant and felt out of this world for me Brief description: MXM (Mix and Match), consisting of Kim Donghyun and Lim Youngmin formed after the Produce series where they auditioned with Lee Daehwi and Park Woojin with the self-composed song 'Hollywood' (honestly one of the best auditions in the whole series). They've got another song I really liked which was 'Checkmate'. Later re-joined with their audition members to form AB6IX in 2019, sadly Youngmin had to leave the goup early on from a DUI. I've not kept up with either of them as often as I used to, ik Donghyun is still in the group and recently released a new song, and last I checked with Youngmin, I think he's also released some music this year. JBJ95 - Home This songs really sweet and emotional to listen to, i've had nostalgic, fantasy daydreams with this song lol, instrumental is really underrated too. Brief description: JBJ95 consisted of Kenta and Sanggyun, formed after JBJ disbanded (still devestated about it). If JBJ was still around then this probably would've been a sub-unit, there's the 95 because both were born in 1995. They unfortunately had to disband because of a lawsuit I think. Same with MXM, I also have not kept up with either but recently saw the JBJ reunion group photo so pretty happy about that. I hope they're all doing well, truly missed those times where I laughed with them at games and variety shows. submitted by /u/MelonUniverse [link] [comments]

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It just seems like it to me like this is the other half of Dream Academy that Geffen was more interested in than HYBE was. Katseye was promoted and marketed mainly through HYBE (hence why they are known by many kpop stans and spoken out in kpop spaces) but Abema seems more like they'll be promoted and marketed through Geffen. I don't know maybe I'm naive for thinking this (probably) but it just wouldn't make sense to have two global girl groups promoting mainly through HYBE. I feel like Katseye was marketed to fans of kpop and Abema will not be marketed that way. submitted by /u/onlyeveryotherday [link] [comments]

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Rules: • ⁠You can comment on the same idol more than once, but only the comment with the most upvotes will count. For example, if there are many comments for Idol A with 1 upvote each, but one comment for Idol B has more upvotes, then Idol B wins. • ⁠Comments that mention more than one idol will be disqualified submitted by /u/ConnectionOk8413 [link] [comments]