The K-pop group NewJeans stars in Calvin Klein’s new campaign for Autumn 2024, showcasing playful denim looks and a confident spirit. Captured by photographer Gordon von Steiner, the campaign captures the vibrant energy of the group, highlighting their individual styles and the brand’s iconic designs.
BTS Jin and NewJeans Hanni turned heads with their fashion choices at the Dior Fall 2023 show in Seoul. Jin opted for a sophisticated brown ensemble, while Hanni went for a delicate and charming pastel blue look.
NewJeans’ latest music video for ‘How Sweet’ is a visual feast of Y2K fashion, showcasing a dynamic range of looks that blend sporty, preppy, and androgynous styles. The video pays homage to the early aughts era, with references to second-generation idol groups and iconic K-pop tracks.
The green striped sweater worn by ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin during a press conference where she refuted claims by HYBE has sold out. The sweater, from Japanese apparel brand California General Store, retails for 8,800 yen (about £45). Both the green and cream-colored versions of the sweater are currently sold out on the store’s website.
Members of NewJeans, the popular K-pop girl group, reportedly earned KRW5.2 billion (USD3.7 million) each in 2023, according to released ADOR documents. The collective payout of KRW26.1 billion (USD19 million) contributes to ADOR’s overall earnings of KRW110.3 billion (USD80 million) for the year. This growth has positioned ADOR as the third highest earning label under HYBE, following Big Hit Music and Pledis Entertainment. Despite an ongoing dispute between HYBE and ADOR, NewJeans is expected to release new music next month.
HYBE Corporation, the leading entertainment conglomerate in South Korea, has initiated an audit of ADOR, the subsidiary responsible for the popular girl group NewJeans. HYBE suspects that executives at ADOR, led by CEO Min Hee-Jin, are preparing to separate the label from the conglomerate. ADOR was established in 2021 and Min holds an 18% stake in the company. However, Min has denied the allegations, labelling them as a form of punishment for her criticism of Belift, another HYBE label.
HYBE and ADOR, a South Korean entertainment agency home to NewJeans, are embroiled in a public feud and power struggle. HYBE has accused ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin of attempting to seize control of the agency, while Min denies these claims. The dispute has raised concerns about the future of NewJeans and has led to a decline in HYBE’s stock price.
Amidst the ongoing power struggle between ADOR, the label behind K-pop girl group NewJeans, and entertainment giant HYBE, it has been revealed that the group is expected to release new music next month as planned. According to a source with knowledge of the matter, NewJeans will make a comeback in Korea with a new single in May, regardless of the cooperation between ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin and HYBE. Last month, NewJeans announced the upcoming release of two single albums and a world tour in 2025, with the first single, ‘How Sweet’, slated for release on May 24. However, the status of the second release, planned as the group’s Japanese debut on June 21, remains uncertain amidst the current dispute.
ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin has accused HYBE, the majority owner of ADOR, of undermining the success of its girl group NewJeans. She claims ILLIT, a new girl group under HYBE subsidiary Belift Lab, is a copycat version of NewJeans in terms of makeup, costumes, choreography, and more. Min states that she has filed an official complaint but alleges that HYBE and Belift have denied any wrongdoing. She also denies allegations that she is attempting to take control of ADOR, a HYBE subsidiary.
ADOR has released a statement in response to HYBE’s audit against their management, including CEO Min Hee Jin. ADOR alleges that HYBE’s subsidiary, BELIFT LAB, has copied the concept of ADOR’s popular girl group NewJeans with their own debut group ILLIT. ADOR claims that HYBE has not taken responsibility for the copying and demands an apology and measures to prevent further infringement.
