First, on the 13th, V wrote on Instagram, “My memory is jumbled, but happy 1st anniversary of ‘Layover’ to myself.” He also attached an album photo shoot from that time. “Layover” is V’s solo album released in September last year. While it seems like V is celebrating the one-year anniversary of his album, K-pop fans and ARMYs are interpreting it as having a deeper meaning.
The executive producer of the “Layover” album was Min Hee-jin, the former ADOR CEO, which led fans to believe that V is indirectly supporting her.
Another BTS member, Jungkook, recently expressed support for NewJeans, who had voiced dissatisfaction with HYBE.
On the 14th, Jungkook posted a photo of his pet dog, “Jeon Bam,” on the dog’s Instagram account, along with the caption, “Artists are not guilty.” He also included emoticons representing NewJeans’ “Powerpuff Girls” theme colors. The colors – blue, pink, yellow, green, and purple – correspond to Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein of NewJeans.
In fact, Jungkook has essentially shown his support for NewJeans.
The support from BTS members V and Jungkook for Min Hee-jin and NewJeans is noteworthy as it is the first time HYBE-affiliated musicians have shown such public support. Given that BTS represents HYBE, this is expected to cause a significant impact.
On the 11th, NewJeans revealed during a YouTube live broadcast that they had been subjected to unfair treatment, including ostracism, within HYBE. They also officially requested Min Hee-jin’s return to her CEO position by the 25th.
Following the public support from NewJeans, Min Hee-jin has begun legal action to be reinstated as CEO. On the 13th, her legal representatives from law firm Sejong stated, “Min Hee-jin has filed a provisional injunction at the Seoul Central District Court to convene an ADOR extraordinary shareholders’ meeting and reinstate her as an inside director of ADOR.”
In contrast, HYBE and ADOR responded by saying, “The ADOR board of directors’ decision to replace the CEO was within its authority,” adding that, “The board can replace the CEO at any time based on its management judgment.”
