The relationship between ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and Source Music, a subsidiary label of HYBE, has become another focal point of controversy among K-pop fans.
This controversy stemmed from recent events surrounding GFRIEND's decision not to renew their contracts with Source Music.
Timeline Unfolds: From New Group Auditions to GFRIEND's Non-Renewal
In 2021, it was announced that Min Hee Jin would collaborate with Bang Si Hyuk to create a new girl group under a new label, in partnership with Source Music.
[ π° #ARTICLE ]
— νλ¬μ€ μ λ°μ΄νΈ π (@plus_updates) January 8, 2021
Since joining Big Hit, CBO Min Hee-jin has been in charge of creative directing of the labels under Big Hit excluding Big Hit and she also led the launch of a new girl group aiming to debut in 2021 by collaborating with Source Music.https://t.co/D4aAyWoxGs pic.twitter.com/5PD3RZqta2
The audition process for this group, which included current NewJeans Minji, who trained under Source, reportedly incurred costs and resources charged to the label.
An analysis then revealed that after the auditions, the selected members formed NewJeans and began training under ADOR.
READ ALSO: Min Hee Jin Denies HYBE's Claim She Tried to Seize Management Rights of ADOR: 'It Is Impossible'
As part of this transition, some staff members moved from Source to the new company, and financial resources were divided between the two entities. During this period, the group intended to debut under Source was disbanded, leading to financial deficits for the company.
Subsequently, GFRIEND chose not to renew their contracts with Source Music, a decision that aligned with the company's financial challenges.
Fan Backlash: Speculations, Anger Over Alleged Impact on GFRIEND
The online sharing of this timeline sparked intense reactions from international fans.
Many fans speculated that the resource allocation between Source Music and ADOR, coupled with the disbandment of the planned debut group under Source, contributed to GFRIEND's sudden disbandment and the members' decision not to renew their contracts.
so gfriend disbanded bc of ador and they were all jumping lsfm for no reason pic.twitter.com/srkMLyGqjF
— β π΅πΈ (@chaesmart) April 23, 2024
ador caused gfriend to disband but lsf got all the lashings for two years holy shit min heejin open the fucking door! pic.twitter.com/o6MAJUAGKp
— coco πβΉ ΰ£ͺβ‘οΈ (@fimtannies) April 23, 2024
While there is no direct evidence linking Min Hee Jin's actions to GFRIEND's disbandment, fans expressed anger and frustration over what they perceive as mismanagement and financial strain within Source Music.
This speculation has fueled heated discussions and raised questions about the future of Source and its collaborations with ADOR.
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Written by Cassidy Jones.
