Amid the drama between HYBE and ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, supposed proof that NewJeans' Hyein shaded ILLIT on their debut has surfaced.
After HYBE called for Min Hee Jin to resign as ADOR's CEO, the latter fought back, stating the feud started because HYBE and BELIFT Lab plagiarized NewJeans's concept for ILLIT's debut.
Now, it appears NewJeans shares the same sentiment, with Hyein supposedly shading ILLIT back when ILLIT debuted.
NewJeans Hyein Suspected of Shading ILLIT During Girl Group's Debut
Earlier this week, HYBE called for an audit, requesting a shareholders meeting with ADOR's board of directors and demanding Min Hee Jin step down as ADOR's CEO.
According to reports, HYBE discovered proof that Min Hee Jin was trying to usurp control of ADOR and ultimately leave HYBE Labels.
Min Hee Jin publicly denied the allegations and criticized HYBE for allegedly plagiarizing NewJeans' concept for ILLIT. She claimed everything from their sound to their hairstyles was copied from NewJeans.
Additionally, Min Hee Jin expressed discontent over HYBE promoting ILLIT as "NewJeans' little sister." This move by Min Hee Jin has caused fans of the two groups to split into two sides.
Meanwhile, netizens are now paying more attention to the actions of NewJeans. One thing that garnered interest is a post by the youngest NewJeans member, Hyein.
In a photo she shared, the words "Stop Copying" were visible. It's worth noting that Hyein posted this on March 25, 2024, the day ILLIT officially debuted.
Fans of NewJeans are defending Hyein, stating that though it was posted on ILLIT's debut date, it was not meant to shade them. Bunnies state the photo with the words "Stop copying" was actually taken on December 31, 2023.
Hyein posted the photo at 2:00 PM on March 25, 2024, which was two hours before ILLIT released the "Magnetic" music video.
— hyein pics (@pictureshyein) March 25, 2024
Therefore, it cannot be assumed that Hyein shared the photo to shade ILLIT.
Does NewJeans Side With Min Hee Jin & ADOR?
The photo of the timing sparked major speculation online. Netizens theorized that Hyein was subtly criticizing ILLIT for copying their concept. Korean media reports claim that NewJeans currently support Min Hee Jin amidst a feud between HYBE Labels.
Additionally, a video capturing Hyein and Minju repeatedly denying being under HYBE and stating they are under ADOR circulated among people.
After analyzing these "evidences," netizens speculate that NewJeans is fully in support of Min Hee Jin.
CHECK THIS OUT: Min Hee Jin Reportedly 'Stole' NewJeans Members From Source Music: 'So Sungjin Birthed Them'
However, this is all speculation. Amidst the drama, NewJeans has not taken any direct action related to the controversy.
Regarding HYBE, CEO Park Ji Won sent a letter of support to the company's employees. In the letter, Park Ji Won denied allegations of plagiarism by ILLIT and expressed his stance of "preserving NewJeans."
What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!
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Written by Alexa Lopez
