The feud between HYBE and NewJeans (NJZ) continues to escalate, with the group's parents alleging that HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk tried to sabotage their overseas performances.
🎤 NewJeans Parents Speak Out
On February 19, an Instagram account associated with NewJeans' parents (@njz_pr) posted a lengthy statement, claiming that HYBE pressured venues to cancel NJZ's concerts.
"We heard that Bang Si-hyuk personally pushed for NJZ's performances to be canceled," the post stated.
The parents accused HYBE of treating the members as nothing more than a financial asset, adding:
"Instead of supporting the group, they seem determined to ruin their opportunities."
They also revealed that they reached out to Bang Si-hyuk directly in April 2024 with concerns but never received a response.
🔥 Clashing With Music Industry Groups
This statement follows criticism from five major Korean music industry organizations, including the Korea Management Association. These groups issued a public statement opposing NJZ's independent activities, arguing that their actions disrupt the K-pop industry.
NewJeans' parents fired back, saying:
"It's disappointing that these groups are presenting unverified claims as facts, potentially influencing ongoing legal matters."
They also dismissed the idea that NJZ's activities are damaging the K-pop industry, countering:
"The real victims here are the members, their fans, and the general public."
🧐 Questioning a 'Suspicious' Industry Meeting
Adding fuel to the fire, NewJeans' parents raised concerns about a planned press conference by these industry groups, hinting at possible "backdoor dealings."
"Are we really supposed to believe this isn't a setup when they're organizing a business lunch meeting before the event?"
🚨 HYBE & ADOR Respond
HYBE and ADOR denied all allegations regarding concert cancellations, stating:
"HYBE and Bang Si-hyuk had no involvement in stopping NJZ's Hong Kong performance. This is simply not true."
As tensions continue to rise, fans are left wondering what's next for NewJeans—and how this battle could reshape the K-pop industry.
