🔗 2024-09-30 Team Bunnies Notice

Hello, this is Team Bunnies.

First, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the many of you who responded to our call for the list of accusers. There are three main reasons why we decided to proceed with these criminal complaints.

First, despite being given a sufficient deadline regarding the demands delivered in the urgent live stream by artist NewJeans a few days ago, the current ADOR management and board of directors did not approach the matter seriously. In the process, they failed to fulfill the duties and responsibilities a subsidiary should uphold by engaging in media play targeting the artists and fandom through media outlets and reporters with whom they have collusive ties.

Second, an act of “reverse viral marketing” against the company’s own artist—an unprecedented event in the industry—was revealed through a public tip-off by a media reporter, and it was committed by a high-ranking official belonging to the parent company’s PR team. Common sense dictates that a proper management team would convey deep apologies and consolation to the artists and industry relations, and the chief executive of the HYBE PR team involved in such acts should have naturally faced disciplinary action. However, through the company’s official website, HYBE denied even the factual basis of the tip-off, disparaged the whistleblower and the broadcast in question, and launched attacks both internally and externally. Furthermore, they produced new rumors through “cyber wrecker” broadcasts and even made the shameful claim of “Munch backdoor advertising” (under-the-table advertising), showing an attitude of evading responsibility while ignoring the severity of the situation.

In addition to that recording, according to tips from reporters previously released through the Team Bunnies account, we have shared the fact that the chief executive of HYBE PR went around to media outlets distributing illegally collected personal materials and documents for the company’s benefit and habitually engaged in public opinion manipulation. Acts such as reverse viral marketing, manipulation of public opinion through the distribution of illegal materials and internal documents, and co-opting media outlets are serious crimes that violate the Criminal Act. These are matters that could lead to deprivation of status and serious criminal liability in other fields as well. We express deep regret that the company is not conducting voluntary audits and corrective measures, and accordingly, we intend to proceed with criminal complaints based on the Criminal Act and the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act.

Finally, we decided to file complaints under the judgment that we can no longer sit by and watch as the parent company’s lax management and acts of deceiving artists, shareholders, and consumers—which we have pointed out and requested correction for multiple times—continue without stopping, while they consistently resort to base excuses and blaming others.

Personnel matters within a corporation should be conducted independently according to relevant articles of incorporation and procedures, but this must be done based on judgments to maximize the company’s long-term profits and the interests of producing consumers. In the case of HYBE Co., Ltd., maximizing shareholder value should be the ultimate goal. If the decision to dismiss CEO Min Hee-jin was made at the ADOR board meeting on August 27, those who exercised their voting rights must fulfill their responsibilities and obligations regarding the subsequent situation.

The conflict with Dolphiners Films that occurred immediately after the dismissal, the deletion of the Ban Heesoo channel, the inappropriate response to the transcript exposure, the failure in appointing working-level staff, and the suspension of the “Korean Fan Meeting” and “Next Album” progress known through the JoongAng Ilbo article on September 26—none of these aligned with the purpose the company should aim for. Regarding the suspension of the fan meeting and next album progress—where the opacity of artist activities, which fans and artists feared most, became reality—HYBE is showing a bizarre attitude of shifting responsibility to the former CEO, leaving questions about what future this company aims for and for whom it is operated. The board members who exercised their voting rights regarding this have an obligation to take responsibility.

It is regrettable to deliver heavy news once again. We hope ADOR CEO Kim Ju-young takes the matters raised in the protest letter filed by thousands of accusers seriously and fulfills her responsibilities. The deadline is until October 2 (Wed). If there is no proper response, we will proceed with the scheduled complaint procedures.

Also, we would like to address the adoption of references and witnesses for the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee audit reported today. Hanni has been adopted as a reference witness, and ADOR CEO Kim Ju-young (HYBE CHRO) has been adopted as a witness. Unlike a witness, adoption as a reference witness is optional with no obligation to attend, and can be replaced by a written response. We hope that unnecessary speculation does not burden the artist. Necessary materials for a fair audit have already been submitted, but if additional data submission is required, please forward it to the Team Bunnies email.

There is still time remaining for witness adoption and agenda selection for audits by other agencies, so we are doing our best. With many civil complaints already submitted, several agencies are discussing the issue in depth. Some assembly members’ offices showed surprised reactions to HYBE’s misconduct and replied that they would seriously review the matter. However, we also heard news that they are reviewing carefully as there are many domestic and international agenda items and sensitive matters related to misconduct.

As this is a necessary audit, we hope you will voice your opinions through various channels. Team Bunnies also plans to make every possible effort this week, including requesting meetings with assembly members’ offices.

Thank you.