HYBE Chairman Unites Girl Groups Amid Legal Disputes

In a heartwarming display of unity, Bang Si-hyuk, the chairman of HYBE, recently shared a group photo. The image features members of HYBE girl groups LE SSERAFIM, ILY:1, and CAT’S EYE. This memorable moment took place during LE SSERAFIM’s world tour concert at the Inspire Arena in Incheon. On October 22, Bang posted the photo on Instagram. His caption simply read "United!" along with hashtags for each group. This reinforces the message of collaboration with the addition of "ONETEAM."

However, not all is well in the K-pop industry. Notably absent from the group photo was the popular girl group New Jeans. They have been involved in ongoing disputes with their label, ADOR. In November 2022, New Jeans declared their intention to terminate their contract with ADOR. They now seek to pursue independent activities under the name "NJZ."

Legal issues intensified when a court ruled in favor of ADOR on March 21. The court deemed the reasons cited by New Jeans for their contract termination as insufficient. As a result, the court placed restrictions on the members. They are now prohibited from engaging in entertainment activities without ADOR’s approval. This ruling was reaffirmed on October 16. The Seoul Central District Court dismissed New Jeans’ appeal against ADOR’s request for a status preservation order, solidifying ADOR’s rights over the group.

Following this latest decision, New Jeans members found themselves unable to participate in music, broadcasting, or commercial activities without their label’s consent. Despite these limitations, the members remain determined to prove their claims in the main lawsuit. They signal their intention to fight for their independence.

As the K-pop industry evolves, these developments highlight the complexities of music contracts and the challenges faced by artists striving for autonomy. The juxtaposition of solidarity among groups like LE SSERAFIM and the legal battles of New Jeans paints a vivid picture of the current state of the K-pop scene. The quest for unity and individual rights continues to unfold.

Key Points:

• Unity Among HYBE Groups: LE SSERAFIM, ILY:1, and CAT’S EYE showcase collaboration.
• Legal Battles with ADOR: New Jeans faces restrictions due to contract disputes with ADOR.
• Artist Autonomy Struggles: The ongoing struggles highlight the need for artists to navigate complex contracts.

These elements enhance the article’s depth and provide valuable insights into the K-pop industry.

This article has been written by Kpopmap AI writer and while we have made efforts to ensure the accuracy of the article, there may be errors or inaccuracies.