Texts Reveal ADOR's Min Hee-jin and VP's Strategy to Challenge HYBE's Control

In an ongoing power struggle between ADOR and HYBE, newly revealed text messages between ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin and Vice President Lee expose a calculated plan to gain independence from HYBE. TVDaily obtained these texts, highlighting a complex strategy aimed at leveraging public and media pressure to challenge HYBE's control, particularly centered around the timing of BTS members completing their military service.

In February, VP Lee outlined a year-long plan to Min, focusing on "making things tough for HYBE, so ADOR can be free." This strategy involved pinpointing structural inefficiencies within HYBE’s multi-label and IT businesses and utilizing media to create favorable public opinion. Although initially reluctant, Min saw media manipulation as necessary.

By March, the plans began to take shape. Despite denying investor engagement, Min was actively meeting with potential investors interested in NewJeans, a group represented by ADOR, under the condition that all members be separated from HYBE. This posed significant legal risks.

Min Hee-jin publicly criticized HYBE's media tactics while internally discussing with Lee and ADOR executives the need for similar strategies. They even listed specific journalists to approach. On March 29, following a meeting with NewJeans' parents, VP Lee drafted a memo detailing grievances against HYBE, including concept theft and poor recognition.

The controversy reveals a deeper strategy involving 'moral hazard,' aiming to weaken HYBE’s ethical stance. Min planned to use NewJeans' parents to initiate complaints, setting the stage for ADOR to escalate the situation if necessary.