In a recent statement, HYBE has addressed the circulating rumors about BTS’ Jungkook allegedly showing support for NewJeans amid rising tensions between HYBE and ADOR’s former CEO, Min Hee Jin. The entertainment company stated that they are currently investigating the situation and are “checking the artist’s true intentions.”

Jungkook’s Social Media Post Sparks Speculation

The speculation began when Jungkook posted a picture of his dog, Bam, on his Instagram account on September 14, 2024. Along with the photo, he shared a cryptic message, stating, “Artists are not guilty,” followed by a muscle-flexing emoji and a series of colorful heart emojis in blue, pink, yellow, green, and purple. The seemingly random color combination quickly caught the attention of fans, with some interpreting the post as a subtle message of support for NewJeans, a girl group under ADOR.

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A post shared by Bam's dad (@bowwow_bam)

Fans of both BTS and NewJeans quickly started to connect the colors in Jungkook’s post with the five members of NewJeans, who are often associated with similar vibrant hues. Some believed that the colors and timing of the post might be a subtle show of solidarity, especially given the ongoing friction between HYBE and ADOR, where NewJeans is signed.

Tension Between HYBE and ADOR’s Min Hee Jin

The rumored tension between HYBE and Min Hee Jin began to surface in late August 2024, when ADOR made a public announcement that Min Hee Jin would step down from her position as CEO of the label. Though she would continue to play a significant role in producing NewJeans’ content, her removal from the CEO role led to dissatisfaction among the group members.

On September 11, 2024, the five-member girl group took a bold step by hosting a surprise YouTube live broadcast, during which they publicly called for Min Hee Jin’s reinstatement. The group gave the company an ultimatum, requesting that Min be reinstated by September 25. During the broadcast, the members shared their concerns, stating that their creative process had been heavily influenced by Min Hee Jin’s leadership and that her departure had caused significant disruptions within the group.

Members of NewJeans also mentioned uncomfortable incidents they faced with the new management. One of the group members, Hanni, shared an experience where a HYBE manager allegedly instructed members of another group to ignore her. This incident, combined with the ongoing tensions, created a heightened sense of dissatisfaction among the group.

HYBE’s Response to NewJeans’ Live Broadcast

In response to the live broadcast, HYBE’s new CEO, Lee Jae Sang, issued a statement emphasizing that the company is following all established procedures. He further stated that HYBE is currently investigating claims of workplace bullying made by NewJeans’ members against some of the company’s staff. The allegations have added to the growing concerns surrounding the management of the girl group under HYBE’s new leadership.

While ADOR and Min Hee Jin have not issued any additional public comments since the initial announcement, it is clear that NewJeans’ members are seeking a return to the former leadership structure under Min’s guidance. The group has stressed that her role in their creative work is crucial, and her absence has led to an uneasy environment within the group.

Fans Await Clarification on Jungkook’s Post

As speculation continues to grow, fans of both Jungkook and NewJeans are eagerly awaiting a more detailed explanation from HYBE regarding the true meaning behind Jungkook’s Instagram post. Some fans have dismissed the theories, suggesting the post might have been entirely unrelated to the ongoing issue, while others remain convinced that Jungkook was subtly signaling his support for NewJeans.

At present, HYBE’s statement only acknowledges that they are investigating the matter further. No direct comment has been made regarding Jungkook’s alleged involvement in the controversy, and his social media post remains open to interpretation.

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