HYBE CEO Faces Backlash Over Comments on NewJeans' Future

In a recent earnings call, HYBE's CEO Lee Jae Sang found himself at the center of controversy for his remarks about NewJeans, the rising girl group that has captured the hearts of K-pop fans worldwide. This discussion comes on the heels of ongoing tensions between HYBE and ADOR, particularly with former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin.

On November 5, during the Q3 Earnings Conference Call, Lee sought to reassure stakeholders about NewJeans' trajectory, stating that HYBE intends to “quietly carry out business by focusing on more fundamental values.” He emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting NewJeans' growth and development. Despite a relatively quiet third quarter performance for the group, Lee took a moment to highlight the significant milestones NewJeans achieved this year, which included a highly publicized concert at the Tokyo Dome and the release of two albums that both achieved million-seller status.

Interestingly, while NewJeans maintained their popularity on various music charts and in commercial endorsements, they reportedly had no major activities in terms of new releases or scheduled performances during the quarter, which raised eyebrows among fans and industry insiders alike.

Despite Lee's optimistic portrayal, backlash ensued from netizens who expressed skepticism about HYBE’s true intentions. Many users took to social media platforms to voice their discontent, suggesting that Lee’s comments were not aligned with the reality faced by NewJeans. Critics accused HYBE of undermining NewJeans' potential to promote other groups within the company, while others expressed concerns about the overarching business practices they labeled as questionable.

Comments ranged from sarcastic to severe, with one user stating, “If you’re going to do your best for NewJeans, let them go,” while another commented, “Aren’t you trying to debuff NewJeans to push other teams within HYBE?”

The situation continues to unfold, and it remains unclear how HYBE will navigate the growing discontent among fans and the industry. Many are left wondering whether the company's support for NewJeans is genuine or merely a public relations strategy as internal conflicts mount. As fans await the next steps for NewJeans, the call for transparency and accountability from HYBE only seems to grow louder.