In a legal tussle between HYBE and Min Hee Jin, the court’s decision dealt a blow to HYBE’s attempt to exercise voting rights for Min Hee Jin’s removal as CEO of ADOR. The court denied HYBE’s appeal, prompting the company to comply with the ruling, signaling a victory for Min Hee Jin.
Since April, the clash between Min Hee Jin and HYBE has embroiled various K-pop groups, including ILLIT, NewJeans, aespa, and more. Among these, ILLIT faced heightened scrutiny, particularly for alleged shortcomings in live singing and comparisons with NewJeans.
A recent online thread titled “ILLIT Minju’s Weverse Post After The Trial Article Came Out” stirred controversy. The post, seemingly innocuous, showcased Minju’s interaction with a fan. However, the context was cropped, leading to speculation about the thread’s intent to incite further hate towards ILLIT and Minju.
Netizens rallied in defense of Minju, arguing against the post’s malicious undertones and emphasizing Minju’s innocent expression of gratitude toward fans. International reactions varied, with some expressing frustration over ILLIT’s unjust criticism and others condemning the thread’s apparent anti-ILLIT agenda.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by idols amid industry conflicts and online scrutiny. Despite the legal victory for Min Hee Jin, the fallout extends to individual members of affected groups, highlighting the importance of responsible discourse and support within the K-pop community.