NewJeans, created with investment from HYBE, debuted in 2022 through the new label Ador.

The Ador label was established as a subsidiary when HYBE recruited Min Hee-jin in 2021.

HYBE, famous for BTS, invested capital while Min Hee-jin took charge of management and production.

In short, HYBE provided the money, and Min Hee-jin provided the creativity.

NewJeans, created in this manner, opened a new era of sensibility upon debut.

Instead of intense K-pop focused on synchronized choreography, they captured the global market with a minimal, warm sound and natural image.

With visuals reminiscent of the 2000s, an unpretentious style, and a blend of fashion and music, NewJeans began to achieve great success.

Fans embraced them as the 'Gen Z icons' of K-pop.

However, in 2024, HYBE began an internal audit of Ador. The reason was that Min Hee-jin attempted to become independent.

HYBE claimed she had "betrayed her position as a representative," and Min Hee-jin immediately refuted this.

She protested that another group created under a different label of HYBE, called ILY, had directly copied NewJeans' concept, and she stated that this had turned into retaliation against her.

She held a press conference, tearfully stating, "I was just trying to protect NewJeans." This press conference was a rare scene in K-pop history, with the producer at the center, and public sentiment wavered between Min Hee-jin's sincerity and HYBE's power structure.

Ultimately, HYBE dismissed Min Hee-jin from her position as CEO of Ador. However, the production of NewJeans was still under her control.

During this time, Min Hee-jin declared her resignation, stating, "I cannot continue to create under these circumstances."

From this point, emotions exploded. The NewJeans members turned on a live broadcast without the company's approval, pleading for Min Hee-jin's return.

They claimed they were being ostracized within HYBE and were in tears, shocking fans.

For young members to directly mention company issues and support their producer signaled a complete breakdown of internal trust.

NewJeans soon unilaterally terminated their exclusive contract and declared independent activities.

However, HYBE responded by stating, "The contract is still valid," and took legal action.

Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of HYBE. A provisional decision was made to prevent NewJeans from engaging in activities without the company's permission, and legally, they remained artists under Ador.

On the surface, it seemed that HYBE had won, but in reality, it became a fight where no one emerged victorious.

This is because the immense potential of the name NewJeans came to a halt amid the conflict.

NewJeans was never just a simple idol group. They received collaboration proposals from global luxury brands, and each member's image was unique.

If this team had grown steadily without conflict, they likely would have become the next generation girl group leading the global market after BLACKPINK.

However, the reality flowed in the opposite direction. With Min Hee-jin's departure and the collapse of trust with HYBE, NewJeans is still legally a subsidiary of HYBE, but their hearts seem to have already left.

The members miss the producer who supported them, and fans have become divided, distrusting the company.

Some support Min Hee-jin's artistry and independence, while others hope to find stability within HYBE's system.

This incident ultimately leads to the question, 'Who truly created NewJeans?' Is it the investment from HYBE, or is it the vision and identity crafted by Min Hee-jin? The soul of NewJeans was shaped by Min Hee-jin, but their body was built with HYBE's capital.

Thus, this conflict is not just an emotional battle but also reveals the fundamental contradictions structurally embedded in the K-pop industry. It raises questions about the boundaries of creative freedom and corporate control, and where the line between art and ownership can be drawn.

Ultimately, the NewJeans situation illustrates an unavoidable reality as K-pop grows. Fans and the public are now beginning to see the complex power dynamics hidden behind the glamorous stage.

No one can be sure whether NewJeans will return to music and continue their unique identity or fade away amidst the wounds of this conflict.