FEARLESS & ILLIT Fandoms Stage Truck Protest Against NewJeans' Return to ADOR
Fandoms of K-pop groups LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT have launched a truck protest, strongly opposing the decision for NewJeans to return to ADOR.
This protest highlights the renewed tension between HYBE's sub-labels, stemming from the conflict between former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin and the parent company.
On the 20th, Chinese fanbases for LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT organized a truck protest in front of the HYBE building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, demanding the protection of their respective groups and action against malicious comments.
Screenshots shared online revealed direct messages on the trucks' digital displays and banners, including statements like "We will not remain silent against organized malicious comment attacks," "We will not share any authority with groups that maliciously target LE SSERAFIM," "No forced apologies or reconciliation X," and "Depressed just by going near HYBE? The truly suffering ones are FEARNOTs (LE SSERAFIM fandom)."
NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM, and ILLIT are all housed under HYBE's subsidiaries—ADOR, Source Music, and Belift Lab, respectively, sharing the same building. However, the conflict, ongoing since late last year, has escalated into a confrontation between fanbases.
The dispute originated from Min Hee-jin's management rights battle and the termination notice for NewJeans' exclusive contract. During this period, Min claimed that "ILLIT plagiarized NewJeans' concept" and "NewJeans' debut was delayed because of LE SSERAFIM." These allegations, coupled with NewJeans member Hanni's statement about overhearing an ILLIT manager say "just ignore it," amplified the conflict.
Subsequently, Source Music and Belift Lab filed a lawsuit against Min for damages, while Min countersued Belift Lab CEO Bang Si-hyuk and others for defamation.
ADOR had previously declared the termination of its exclusive contract with NewJeans in November last year, citing breaches of obligation. However, the court ruled in favor of ADOR, leading NewJeans to announce their intention to return to ADOR on the 12th, after approximately a year.
Amidst this, malicious comments directed at LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT surged, intensifying the fan conflicts. The agencies have responded with statements condemning the behavior. Belift Lab warned of strict legal action against "continuous malicious criticism targeting members, including minors," and Source Music also pointed to the sharp increase in malicious posts against LE SSERAFIM, announcing legal measures.
This truck protest is seen as a signal that the fan conflicts between HYBE's labels have fully reignited following the announcement of NewJeans' return.
Netizens expressed concerns, with comments like "Aren't the innocent fans of other groups being hurt?" and "I hope this gets resolved smoothly for the sake of the groups." Many wished for a peaceful resolution rather than fan wars.