Hello, this is Team Bunnies. (#1)
First of all, we would like to express our deep gratitude to everyone who participated in the compilation of the list of plaintiffs. There are three main reasons why we are pushing forward with this legal action.
First, the current management and board of ADOR did not take the requests made by NewJeans during their recent emergency live broadcast seriously, despite being given ample time to respond. During this process, they engaged in media manipulation through collusion with media outlets and reporters, failing in their responsibilities and obligations as a subsidiary company.
Second, a counter-viral campaign against their own artist—something unprecedented in the industry—was carried out by a senior member of HYBE's PR team. This was revealed through a public tip-off from a journalist. If the company’s management was functioning properly, they would have extended a deep apology and comfort to the artist and those involved in the industry. The head of HYBE's PR team, who was involved in this, should have been held accountable. However, HYBE not only denied the facts of the whistleblower’s report through their official website, but also attacked the whistleblower and the program involved both internally and externally. They even generated new rumors through cyber gossip channels, and by adding the disgraceful claim of "backdoor advertising by Munch," they ignored the seriousness of the situation and sought to avoid responsibility.
Additionally, based on the tips shared by reporters through the Team Bunnies account, the head of HYBE PR was found to have illegally collected and distributed personal materials and documents to serve the company's interests, manipulating public opinion and forming alliances with media outlets. Acts such as counter-viral campaigns, illegal distribution of personal materials and internal documents, and media manipulation constitute serious violations of the criminal law and could lead to the loss of position and severe criminal liability in other fields as well. We deeply regret that the company has not taken voluntary corrective measures and, as a result, we plan to proceed with legal action based on the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.
Lastly, we have decided to file a lawsuit because the parent company's negligent management, deception of artists, shareholders, and consumers, and reliance on poor excuses and blame-shifting have not ceased, despite repeated calls for correction.
Internal company appointments should be handled independently according to related regulations and procedures, but they should be made in the best interests of the company’s long-term goals and its consumers. In the case of HYBE Corporation, maximizing shareholder value should be the ultimate goal. If the ADOR board of directors made the decision to dismiss CEO Min Hee-jin on August 27, those who exercised voting rights must take responsibility for the consequences.
The conflict with Dolphin Kidnapping Squad, the deletion of Ban Hee-soo’s channel, the inappropriate response to the whistleblower, the failure to properly staff key positions, and the suspension of the 'Korean Fan Meeting' and 'next album' project, as reported in the September 26 JoongAng Ilbo article, all reflect a failure to align with the company’s intended goals.
The lack of transparency in the artist's activities, which fans and artists feared the most, has materialized with the suspension of the fan meeting and next album project. HYBE's grotesque attitude of shifting the blame to the former CEO leaves us questioning the company's future direction and whom it truly serves. The board members who exercised their voting rights must take responsibility.
We regret having to deliver such heavy news once again. We hope that ADOR CEO Kim Joo-young takes the matter seriously and fulfills her responsibilities in regard to the protest letter submitted by thousands of plaintiffs. The deadline is Wednesday, October 2. If there is no proper response by then, we will proceed with the planned legal action.
Additionally, we would like to address the recent reports regarding the National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee's government audit. Hanni has been selected as a reference, while ADOR's CEO Kim Joo-young (HYBE CHRO) has been selected as a witness. Unlike witnesses, references are not obligated to attend and can respond in writing. We hope that unnecessary speculation does not place a burden on the artist. We have already submitted the necessary materials for a fair audit, but if additional materials are needed, please send them to the Team Bunnies email.
There is still time to select witnesses and agenda items for the audits of other institutions, and we are doing our best. With many complaints already submitted, various agencies are seriously discussing the matter. Some legislative offices have responded with surprise at HYBE's misconduct and have stated they are reviewing the matter seriously. However, we also heard that due to the sensitive nature of certain domestic and international issues, some are reviewing the situation with caution.
As this is a necessary audit, we hope to hear more voices through various channels, and Team Bunnies will continue making every effort, including requesting meetings with lawmakers' offices this week.
Thank you.
https://m.dcinside.com/board/newjeans/880841