NewJeans fans have taken significant steps to push for the inclusion of HYBE executives, including Chairman Bang Si Hyuk, in an upcoming state audit conducted by South Korea’s Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee. However, despite their efforts, the committee has declined the request, citing ongoing legal issues that make the situation too delicate to address through the audit at this time.

Fans Send Hundreds of Faxes and Emails

Reports from Korean media on October 4, 2024, indicate that fans of the popular K-pop group NewJeans have been flooding lawmakers’ offices with hundreds of faxes and emails daily. Sources reveal that lawmakers received more than 400-500 faxes and 600 emails each day, all demanding that HYBE’s top officials be summoned as witnesses for the state audit scheduled for October 24. The audit is part of an investigation by the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee.

The fans’ demands specifically called for Bang Si Hyuk, HYBE’s chairman, alongside other key executives including CEO Lee Jae Sang, CCO Park Tae Hee, CFO Lee Kyung Joon, and CLO Jung Jin Soo, to be held accountable. The request stems from concerns regarding the alleged mistreatment of NewJeans members, two of whom are minors.

Allegations of Misconduct Raised by Fans

In their messages to lawmakers, the fandom expressed serious concerns about the treatment of the group’s members by HYBE. A statement from fans noted, “Two of the members of NewJeans are minors. We feel the gravity of the current situation in which even minors who should be legally protected have come forward. We demand a response and corrective measures at the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Commission level for the misconduct committed by HYBE.”

The fans’ grievances are closely tied to the ongoing feud between HYBE and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, who was responsible for managing NewJeans under HYBE’s subsidiary, ADOR. Min Hee Jin recently filed an injunction lawsuit against HYBE, adding further tension to the situation.

Lawmakers Decline Fans’ Request

Despite the persistence of NewJeans fans, the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee has declined to include HYBE’s executives in the upcoming state audit. A spokesperson from the committee explained the decision, stating, “The injunction lawsuit filed by former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin is currently ongoing. Since it is a sensitive issue and the fact-finding hasn’t been completed yet, we are deciding to exclude them from the National Assembly audit witness list.”

The committee acknowledged the concerns raised by the fans but emphasized the legal sensitivity of the situation. They also noted that the scope of the audit would make it difficult to address HYBE’s broader operations or its subsidiaries without further clarity on the ongoing lawsuit.

The spokesperson added that the committee remains open to the possibility of including HYBE’s executives in future audits, particularly because the company’s activities span several industries and involve numerous subsidiaries. However, for the upcoming audit, only officials directly involved in album production from HYBE’s affiliates have been requested to attend.

Limited Scope of the Upcoming Audit

The committee’s current focus is on specific matters related to the production of NewJeans’ albums rather than the wider issues surrounding HYBE’s management or the lawsuit with Min Hee Jin. The committee emphasized, “For now, we have only requested the attendance of officials from HYBE affiliates in relation to the production of their album.” They added that even if HYBE’s top executives were summoned, the sensitive nature of the ongoing lawsuit would limit their ability to ask probing questions at this time.

This decision leaves many fans frustrated, as they hoped the audit would provide an opportunity to hold HYBE accountable for what they believe is unfair treatment of NewJeans members. Fans have expressed concern over the company’s handling of the girl group, particularly as two members are still minors and require additional protection under the law.

With the state audit scheduled for October 24, it remains to be seen whether the concerns raised by NewJeans fans will be addressed in future audits or legal proceedings. As the situation develops, the focus will likely remain on the ongoing lawsuit with Min Hee Jin and how it might influence HYBE’s future operations.

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