Introduction

In a revealing interview with OSEN, Belift Lab’s CEO, Kim Tae Ho, addressed several controversial topics, including allegations of plagiarism and the reactions from ILLIT amidst these challenges. However, one of the most striking revelations came when he touched upon the perceived favoritism within the HYBE subsidiary ecosystem, particularly between NewJeans and ILLIT.

Preferential Treatment Allegations

During the discussion, Kim Tae Ho was asked directly whether ILLIT had benefitted from preferential treatment compared to NewJeans. Interestingly, he highlighted that while Bang Si Hyuk, the founder of HYBE, played a personal role in the production of ILLIT, he had no involvement with NewJeans at all. Yet, Tae Ho argued that it was, in fact, NewJeans that appeared to be receiving exceptional support, raising eyebrows among fans and industry insiders alike.

Extraordinary Backing for NewJeans

“Everyone in our office recognizes that it was NewJeans, along with ADOR, who received extraordinary backing in their promotional efforts and brand collaborations,” he stated. “It’s challenging for me to even list all the forms of support they’ve had.”

Disparities in Treatment

Kim even provided a telling anecdote about the different treatment between the two artist groups regarding office facilities. In Yongsan, a shared styling room is typically available to all artists on a booking basis. However, NewJeans, after just their second year in the industry, were granted their own exclusive styling room. This detail has sparked debates about whether it constitutes discrimination or selective privilege, with many within the HYBE organization aware of the situation.

Background and Industry Reactions

The discourse surrounding NewJeans isn’t new, as previous reports alleged that the group faced discrimination in various forms. Additionally, Min Hee Jin from ADOR hinted at a contentious backstory with HYBE, mentioning how the company initially prevented her from taking NewJeans from Source Music, resulting in a delayed debut.

Conclusion

As the dynamics within the K-pop industry continue to unravel, fans and observers are left questioning the extent of favoritism and its implications for the artists involved. The revelations from Kim Tae Ho only add fuel to the fire, as they highlight the intricate web of relationships and politics that govern success in this highly competitive field.