ADOR leadership in fierce power struggle; Min Hee Jin and President's leaked texts reveal plans to challenge HYBE's control

Based on hacked text conversations that TVDaily received, the CEO of ADOR Min Hee Jin and Vice President Lee—often referred to as her right-hand man—are at the centre of a developing conflict with HYBE.

The CEO of ADOR Min Hee Jin and Vice President Lee, often referred to as her right-hand man, are at the center of a burgeoning dispute with HYBE, according to leaked text messages obtained by TVDaily. These messages provide a revealing look into a sophisticated strategy devised by ADOR’s top executives to gain independence from HYBE by leveraging public and media pressure, particularly in relation to the timing of BTS members completing their mandatory military service.

The texts, exchanged earlier this year, depict a detailed plan spearheaded by VP Lee and discussed with CEO Min. In February, VP Lee presented a year-long strategic plan to Min, focusing on exploiting HYBE’s structural inefficiencies in its multi-label and IT businesses. The plan, aimed at creating difficulties for HYBE to facilitate ADOR's independence, included using media to sway public opinion favorably towards ADOR—a tactic Min initially hesitated to employ but eventually deemed necessary.

By March, the strategic plans transitioned from theory to action. Despite earlier denials about engaging with external investors, Min was actively involved in meetings with potential investors interested in NewJeans, an ADOR-represented group, on the condition that the group members would be separated from HYBE. This maneuver involved calculated risks, including the potential for legal challenges.

During this period, Min Hee-jin publicly criticised HYBE for its media manipulation tactics while internally coordinating with VP Lee and other ADOR executives to employ similar strategies. Specific journalists were identified as potential allies in these efforts, reflecting a deliberate approach to shaping media narratives.

On March 29, after a significant meeting with the parents of NewJeans members, VP Lee drafted a memo outlining several grievances against HYBE. These included accusations of concept theft and lack of recognition by HYBE, aligning with Min's earlier position as a whistleblower within the industry.

The controversy also reveals a deeper strategic component involving the concept of 'moral hazard.' This approach aimed to undermine HYBE’s ethical stance and exemplifies the complexities of corporate governance conflicts within the entertainment industry. Additionally, Min planned to engage the parents of NewJeans members in these strategies, positioning them to file complaints with HYBE. This tactic would allow ADOR to escalate the situation, providing further justification for its independence.