Latest news with #HypeBoy
Indian Express
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
K-pop group once dubbed ‘female BTS' hit hiatus at career peak, dragged into controversy with future uncertain
BTS and BLACKPINK long ruled the charts in K-pop's modern wave. In 2022, HYBE debuted a five-member girl group that rose so fast, it left some of the biggest 3rd and 4th gen K-pop acts trailing behind in fame, endorsements, and global fanbase. NewJeans, made up of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, debuted under HYBE's sub-label ADOR, headed by then-CEO Min Hee Jin. The group was even dubbed the 'female BTS' thanks to what they pulled off in such a short span. But now, after a messy court battle over contracts and a very public HYBE vs ADOR feud, the group has hit an indefinite hiatus, and their future's hanging in the air. What went wrong? Also read: BTS' Suga warns 'the market's not the same' as group confirms 2026 comeback and tour NewJeans debuted in July 2022, after Le Sserafim (HYBE's first girl group), but their rise was nothing short of meteoric. The girls broke away from the traditional, cute, nation's crush image of female idols to a bold, aesthetically-driven, girl-next-door vibe. Their early releases like Attention and Hype Boy turned into youth anthems. Their debut EP New Jeans topped charts in no time, while Ditto achieved a 'Perfect All-Kill' (meaning it topped all major Korean charts simultaneously and stayed there for days). OMG and Super Shy became insanely famous overseas. In such a short time, NewJeans bagged multiple Daesang awards (one of the highest honours in South Korea) at shows like the Golden Disc Awards, Melon Music Awards, and MAMA Awards. By 2023, they became HYBE's richest female rookie group, with endorsements falling into their lap like cake. Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Armani, Celine, Burberry, YSL, Dior, Omega, nearly every luxury brand that once had BTS or BLACKPINK, came calling. Even homegrown giants like Samsung got on board. With their growing influence, they were named Honorary Ambassadors for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, for Seoul Fashion Week, and bagged multiple government-backed titles, carving their place as South Korea's next big soft power. Also Read: NewJeans makes final call on HYBE settlement after reading fans' letters: ADOR issues statement BTS made history with groundbreaking Billboard Music Awards performances, cracking open K-pop's presence on American prime-time. NewJeans, not far behind, made their own BBMA debut in 2023, a huge deal for a group this new. They were even hailed as 'Billboard performers.' But since April 2024, things have started slipping downhill. In 2024, HYBE initiated an audit of ADOR and, in their complaint, alleged that CEO Min Hee Jin was trying to 'poach' NewJeans away from HYBE while secretly planning to establish an independent label. NewJeans sided with Min Hee Jin. The then-CEO hit back, accusing HYBE and its subsidiaries of plagiarism, mistreatment, and sabotaging ADOR's creative independence. Even the members' parents got embroiled in the drama. After Min Hee Jin was sacked from her position, the quintet tried to terminate their contracts and go independent. But ADOR claimed the contracts were still valid. Despite that, NewJeans pushed back, they halted all group activities and even tried to drop music on their own. But ADOR dragged them to court and filed injunctions to stop the members from pursuing anything outside the label. NewJeans lost. They didn't file for appeal. As per the latest court ruling, the group has been ordered to pause all independent activities and stick with ADOR. While other legal battles are still raging on, the group remains on hiatus. What's worse, the once-overwhelming public support for the girls has started to dip. If the court ends up ruling that NewJeans breached their contracts, they could be hit with heavy penalties, including brands pulling out of deals.
Korea Herald
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
NewJeans hits 400m Spotify streams with ‘New Jeans'
NewJeans recorded a new milestone for 'New Jeans,' which surpassed 400 million streams on Spotify on Sunday, said Ador on Tuesday. It is the group's sixth single to achieve the feat, following 'OMG,' 'Ditto,' 'Super Shy,' 'Hype Boy' and 'Attention.' 'New Jeans,' from the group's second EP 'Get Up,' was dropped in July 2023 ahead of full album release, along with 'Super Shy," one of the three focus tracks. The namesake single hit Spotify's Daily Top Songs Global chart at No. 20 and rose to No. 25 on Billboard's Global 200, while the EP debuted atop Billboard 200. Each member turns into characters inspired by 'The Powerpuff Girls' in the track's music video, which landed atop YouTube's trending video list upon release. The video has amassed over 37 million views over the last two years.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NJZ rumoured to Join BANA — the record label behind their chart-toppers
SEOUL, Feb 12 — NJZ — the girl group formerly known as NewJeans — may be signing with Beasts And Natives Alike (BANA), the record label responsible for producing many of their biggest hits, including Hype Boy, Ditto, Cookie, and OMG. BANA however has declined to comment on the rumours, neither confirming nor denying the possibility of NJZ joining their roster when contacted by The Korea Herald yesterday, The speculation gained traction after NJZ member Hyein hinted during an Instagram Live session on Feb 7 that the group would be revealing their new agency soon. 'Don't worry too much about us; we will announce a new agency soon,' she reassured fans. Adding fuel to the fire, BANA artist Kim Ximya appeared to corroborate the rumours during an online fan interaction on Feb 6. When asked about a new girl group debuting under BANA, Kim responded, 'I am aware of it... How did you know?' Further hints emerged on Monday when NJZ member Hanni posted a cryptic message on the group's social media, stating, 'Uh... It might take a while to get used to going live here.' This has led to speculation that the group is adapting to a new environment, potentially under BANA's wing. BANA first rose to prominence thanks to its in-house producers, 250 and FRNK, who composed many of NJZ's hit tracks, starting with their debut single Attention in 2020. The label's founder, Kim Ki-hyun, is known for his long-standing friendship with former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, which dates back to their time at SM Entertainment in the early 2010s. Min, the creative force behind NJZ, reportedly enlisted Kim's help to produce songs for the group after she took the helm at Ador in 2020. Their close collaboration and shared history have further fuelled rumours that NJZ may be making BANA their new home. Music critic Lim Hee-yun noted that while a move to BANA could offer advantages, it may also present challenges. 'Since BANA has essentially been handling NJZ's music production, the team likely shares a strong rapport, making collaboration smoother compared to other options,' Lim said yesterday. 'However, as BANA is a relatively small company, it would need to partner closely with other firms for management, promotions, and most crucially—budget investment.' Lim also highlighted potential complications. 'In such a scenario, conflicts with Hybe could arise in multiple ways. Of course, the most pressing issue right now is resolving the exclusive contract situation with Ador.'
Korea Herald
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
NJZ to unveil new agency soon, BANA neither confirms nor denies signing them
BANA record label is behind many of the girl group's hit songs NJZ, formerly known as NewJeans, is rumored to be joining the agency Beasts And Natives Alike, or BANA, the record label behind many of the girl group's hit songs, including "Hype Boy," "Ditto," "Cookie," and "OMG." When approached by The Korea Herald on Tuesday, BANA declined to comment on the possible signing of NJZ as its new artist, neither confirming nor denying the speculation. The rumors intensified after NJZ member Hyein mentioned during an Instagram Live broadcast on Feb. 7 that the group would be announcing a new agency soon. "Don't worry too much about us; we will announce a new agency soon," Hyein said as she assured fans. BANA artist Kim Ximya also confirmed during an online interaction with fans on Feb. 6 that the company is preparing to introduce a new group. When a fan inquired about news of a new girl group debuting under BANA, Kim responded, "I am aware of it … How did you know?" On Monday, member Hanni also shared an intriguing message on NJZ's social media, stating, "Uh… It might take a while to get used to going live here." This suggests that NJZ is adjusting to a new environment, raising speculation that the group may have already found a new home. BANA gained public recognition after its in-house producers, 250 and FRNK, composed many of NJZ's hit songs, starting with their debut track "Attention" in 2020. The label's founder, Kim Ki-hyun, is also known for his long-time friendship with former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, dating back to their time at SM Entertainment in the early 2010s. Min, who created NJZ, is said to have asked Kim to write songs for the girl group after she became CEO of Ador in 2020. Their strong bond and seamless teamwork further fuel the rumors that NJZ may be settling in at BANA. Music critic Lim Hee-yun said that if NJZ were to continue their activities under BANA, there would be both advantages and challenges to consider. "Since BANA has essentially been in charge of NJZ's music production, the team likely shares a strong rapport, making it easier for them to work together compared to other options," Lim said on Tuesday. "However, given that BANA is a relatively small company, it would need to collaborate closely with other firms for management, promotions and -- most importantly -- budget investment." "In such a scenario, conflicts with Hybe could arise in multiple ways. Of course, the most pressing issue right now is how to resolve the exclusive contract situation with Ador," Lim added.
