Clash of the K-Pop Titans: Source Music Sues Ador CEO for Defamation

In a dramatic turn of events, the agency behind the popular girl group LE SSERAFIM, Source Music, has filed a damage lawsuit against Min Hee-jin, the CEO of Ador. The lawsuit, which seeks 500 million won (approximately 5,000) in damages, alleges defamation, business interference, and insult caused by Min Hee-jin's public statements. This legal battle is the latest chapter in the ongoing rivalry between the two K-pop powerhouses, HYBE and Ador, as they navigate the cutthroat world of the Korean music industry.

Allegations and Counterattacks: The Escalating Feud

Casting Controversy and Debut Timing

The lawsuit reportedly centers on three main issues: Min Hee-jin's claim that she personally cast the members of NewJeans, her unilateral decision to debut NewJeans as HYBE's first girl group, and her assertion that Source Music neglected the members of NewJeans. It is well-known that some members of NewJeans were former trainees of Source Music, and Min Hee-jin has accused the agency of neglecting these trainees. She has also taken issue with the fact that LE SSERAFIM debuted before NewJeans, claiming that her group was "neglected" when managed by Source Music.

Defamation and Damages

Source Music claims that Min Hee-jin's remarks, such as "We were neglected when managed by Source," and "All members joined HYBE because of me," have caused severe online harassment and damage to LE SSERAFIM. The agency alleges that these statements have led to rumors that LE SSERAFIM received preferential treatment at the expense of other groups, resulting in a barrage of negative comments and a tarnished reputation.

Countersuit and Allegations

In a related development, Belift Lab, the agency of the group ILLIT, has also filed a lawsuit against Min Hee-jin for business interference and defamation. This lawsuit comes in response to Min Hee-jin's allegations of plagiarism by NewJeans. Belift Lab has criticized Min Hee-jin for "sacrificing the innocent rookie group ILLIT to pressure HYBE," further escalating the tensions between the agencies.

Investigations and Potential Legal Actions

Min Hee-jin has undergone her first round of questioning by the authorities, and HYBE has also filed a complaint with the Seoul Yongsan Police Station, accusing her of breach of duty. The police investigation is ongoing, and if Min Hee-jin's charges are confirmed, HYBE is considering additional civil lawsuits.

The Aftermath and Implications

The legal battle between Source Music and Ador has shone a spotlight on the cutthroat nature of the K-pop industry, where agencies fiercely compete for talent and market share. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the agencies involved but also for the broader K-pop ecosystem. As the industry continues to evolve, this clash of the titans serves as a reminder of the high stakes and intense rivalries that define the world of Korean pop music.