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The parents of K-pop group NJZ (formerly known as NewJeans) have accused HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk of attempting to sabotage the group's upcoming performance at ComplexCon Hong Kong.
In a statement released through their official Instagram account, the group member's parents claimed Bang personally contacted ComplexCon organizers in the United States to urge them to cancel NJZ's scheduled appearance in Hong Kong.
"[We] heard from a ComplexCon official who was helping with the preparations for the concert that Chairman Bang Si-hyuk of HYBE personally called American officials and tried to persuade them to cancel the NJZ members' concert," the statement read. "HYBE is just like before, thinking of the members as a means of making money instead of cheering them on."
The accusations come amid a complex legal drama between NJZ and its former agency, ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE. The group announced its departure from ADOR in November 2024, citing contractual violations. Since then, tensions between ADOR and NJZ have escalated, especially after the group rebranded and began pursuing independent activities.
Despite Bang Si-Hyuk's alleged interference, NJZ will continue to perform at the festival. ComplexCon Hong Kong, scheduled for March 21 to 23 at AsiaWorld-Expo, is set to be NJZ's first major international appearance since its split from ADOR.
How Did Bang Si-hyuk Respond to the Allegation?
While the HYBE CEO has yet to provide a statement acknowledging the accusation, ADOR released a statement denying any involvement in attempts to cancel NJZ's performance. The agency also said they "checked in" with Bang Si-hyuk, who also denied making any calls to the event organizers.
That said, ADOR noted that they requested the organizers to use the group's official name, "NewJeans," and proceed with the concert under their management agency. This, they claimed, would be in accordance with what is stated in an exclusive contract they have with NJZ.
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