Featured categories

Quick Links

HYBE Battles NewJeans: Unveiling BTS’ Dad’s Venture into Blockchain Ambitions

HYBE vs. NewJeans: Inside the Cryptocurrency Ambition

In a recent move, South Korea’s largest entertainment company, HYBE, made the decision to remove ADOR, a subsidiary headed by director Min Hee-jin, and relegate her to a producer role. This action sparked a wave of controversy as members of ADOR’s popular girl group, NewJeans, took to a public livestream to not only demand Min Hee-jin’s reinstatement but also expose internal tensions within the company. They boldly stated that they would not blindly follow HYBE’s commands. Following the explosive livestream, HYBE’s stock prices plummeted by 4.5% over the next two days.

The Evolution of HYBE: From Big Hit to a Cryptocurrency Venture

Formerly known as Big Hit Entertainment, HYBE was founded by producer Bang Si-hyuk, who previously worked with artists like Rain at JYP Entertainment. With its boy group, BTS, HYBE has emerged as one of the top four entertainment companies in South Korea. The success of BTS, whose album sales ranked second globally in 2022, has propelled HYBE to the forefront of the K-pop industry. Notably, SEVENTEEN, ranking sixth on the list, is another male group under HYBE.

Prior to Big Hit’s transformation into HYBE in 2021, South Korea’s entertainment market was dominated by SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment. Through strategic acquisitions of smaller companies and the growth of its artists, Big Hit ascended to a leading position in the Korean entertainment industry.

International Expansion and Strategic Acquisitions

HYBE stands out from other entertainment companies due to its international strategy, with reports indicating that 26% of its revenue now comes from the North American market. The global success of BTS has paved the way for HYBE’s other groups to embark on an international trajectory. Groups like BTS and LE SSERAFIM have released English singles that have gained recognition in Western markets, with LE SSERAFIM even performing at the prestigious COACHELLA music festival.

In 2021, HYBE made significant acquisitions, including the purchase of Ithaca Holdings for 1 trillion Korean won, which brought artists like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande into its portfolio. In 2023, HYBE America acquired QC Media Holdings for 314 billion Korean won, adding artists such as Migos, Lil Baby, and Lil Yachty to its roster.

Financial Performance and Industry Influence

Comparing the sales and net profits of HYBE’s labels in the first three quarters of 2023 with industry peers like SM, YG, and JYPE, HYBE’s market value stood at 10.34 trillion Korean won, showcasing its financial strength and market leadership.

Besides its market value, HYBE’s influence was evident in its involvement in the power struggle at SM Entertainment in 2023. The conflict saw SM’s founder, Lee Soo-man, facing internal strife, with HYBE eventually acquiring an 8.8% stake in SM Entertainment.

Strategic Partnerships and Industry Trends

HYBE has maintained strong ties with NAVER, the parent company of LINE. In 2023, V LIVE, NAVER’s interactive platform, merged with HYBE’s Weverse. Additionally, HYBE EDU merged with Cake corp., a subsidiary of NAVER. NAVER also holds an 8.9% stake in YG Entertainment. Notably, prior to founding Big Hit, Bang Si-hyuk worked as a producer at JYPE, further underscoring the interconnectedness of the K-pop industry.

Challenges and Controversies within HYBE

In a recent development on April 22, HYBE accused ADOR’s director, Min Hee-jin, of attempting to seize control of ADOR and leaking confidential information. The subsequent press conference held by Min Hee-jin shed light on internal tensions, including allegations of favoritism towards other groups within HYBE and accusations of style plagiarism.

Following Min Hee-jin’s dismissal from her directorial position, NewJeans members openly expressed their discontent with HYBE’s actions during a live broadcast. They voiced their refusal to blindly follow HYBE’s directives and demanded Min Hee-jin’s reinstatement within two weeks, citing breaches of trust and interference with their work.

The controversy surrounding NewJeans and HYBE has sparked discussions about loyalty, trust, and power dynamics within the K-pop industry. As the situation unfolds, the intertwined narratives of artistry, commerce, and corporate governance continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

RELATED ARTICLE

Recommended Readings by Crypto Pie

Featured categories

Quick Links