하이브 레이블즈, 2025 글로벌 신인 걸그룹 오디션 전격 발표—BTS·LE SSERAFIM 팬들이 주목해야 할 이유 (HYBE Labels Announces 2025 Global Girl Group Audition—Why BTS & LE SSERAFIM Fans Should Pay Attention)

SEOUL—South Korea’s powerhouse entertainment firm HYBE Labels has added nearly ₩915 billion (≈ US $644 million) in market value after a Seoul Central District Court upheld the long-contested exclusive contracts between its sub-label ADOR and breakout girl group NewJeans through 2029. Fan backlash, management turmoil and allegations of concept plagiarism had threatened to destabilize the K-pop giant for more than a year, but Thursday’s ruling signals a decisive—if temporary—victory for HYBE amid an industry-shaking dispute with former ADOR CEO and creative director Min Hee-jin. HYBE Labels: From Crisis to Stock-Market Surge • Shares on the Korea Exchange leapt over 7 % within hours of the verdict, erasing much of the nearly ₩560 billion that evaporated when NewJeans first sought to terminate their deal in late 2024. • The court confirmed that dismissal of Min Hee-jin last August did not constitute a breach severe enough to nullify artist contracts, countering the group’s claims of “irrevocable loss of trust.” • Investors welcomed the clarity; analysts at Samsung Securities said the decision “restores earnings visibility for HYBE’s fourth-quarter slate,” which includes BTS member Jimin’s solo EP and SEVENTEEN’s encore world tour. How the NewJeans-ADOR Rift Unfolded April 2024: HYBE launched an audit after accusing Min Hee-jin of courting outside investors to spin ADOR off independently. August 2024: Min was ousted but retained a board seat until resigning in November. November 2024: All five NewJeans members—Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein—filed for contract termination, citing creative sabotage and workplace harassment. December 2024: ADOR countersued to affirm contract validity, kicking off a 10-month legal saga. October 2025: Seoul court sides with ADOR; NewJeans announce plans to appeal within two weeks. What the Ruling Means for HYBE’s Artist Ecosystem HYBE’s multi-label structure—home to Big Hit Music (BTS), Source Music (LE SSERAFIM), Belift Lab (ILLIT) and Pledis (SEVENTEEN)—relies on stable, long-term artist agreements. A successful contract annulment could have emboldened other acts to renegotiate terms early, analysts say. “With the precedent set, HYBE can refocus on pipeline expansion instead of courtroom defense,” notes Korea Investment & Securities, projecting a 12 % revenue bump once postponed NewJeans merchandise drops resume. Reputational Damage Lingers Despite the stock rebound, public sentiment remains divided. Fans sympathetic to Min Hee-jin argue HYBE stifled creative freedom and rushed look-alike girl group ILLIT to market, intensifying ‘concept-copy’ accusations on social media. HYBE denies the claim but faces ongoing scrutiny from Korea’s Fair Trade Commission over intra-group IP licensing. Next Moves for NewJeans The quintet must now decide whether to continue promotions under ADOR while their appeal proceeds. Industry insiders say a comeback album, tentatively titled “Bubbleverse,” was 80 % complete before the litigation freeze and could drop by year-end if both parties reach a provisional agreement. Broader K-pop Implications 1. Contract Reform Pressure: Legislators who pushed the 2021 “7-year rule” for idol deals are drafting amendments to fast-track mediation in label-artist conflicts. 2. M&A Slowdown: HYBE had signaled interest in Western acquisitions after its 2023 purchase of Quality Control Music. Ongoing legal costs may temper overseas expansion until 2026. 3. Fan-led Shareholder Activism: Retail investors—many of them fandom members—now account for 18 % of HYBE’s float, amplifying the impact of public controversies on market cap. Looking Ahead HYBE’s immediate priority is stabilizing its release calendar: • BTS enlistment returns begin Q2 2026; a full-group reunion album is already penciled in for Q4 2026. • Rookie girl group ILLIT is scheduled for a January mini-album intended to prove stylistic differentiation from NewJeans. • Partner labels Source Music and Pledis will spearhead a push into Latin America with joint pop-reggaetón collaborations. Bottom Line The court ruling removes a multibillion-won cloud over HYBE Labels but does not end the turbulence. As NewJeans prepare an appeal and Min Hee-jin considers separate defamation suits, the K-pop behemoth must balance legal victories with brand goodwill to keep its global fandom—and shareholders—harmoniously in sync.