Source Music Leaking Private Information

HYBE and its subsidiary Source Music deliberately and illegally leaked private and sensitive information about NewJeans members through a Dispatch article. This included pre-debut videos, inappropriate footage of underage trainees, and medical records. The leak was not a simple failure in privacy protection, but a targeted act designed to harm NewJeans’ reputation and cause emotional distress through sexual harassment.

Despite the obvious distress this caused NewJeans members, HYBE, Source Music, and Dispatch have refused to accept responsibility, apologise, or address the harm caused. After initially promising legal action, ADOR-following a management change that brought it in line with HYBE-withdrew all support for NewJeans, ceased all legal actions against the Source Music and Dispatch, and instead switched to silencing NewJeans members and parents.

This incident demonstrates a coordinated effort by HYBE, its sub-labels, and ADOR’s new leadership to undermine NewJeans’ wellbeing and reputation, rather than protect or support the group.

2024-07-23: Dispatch Publishes Sensitive Materials Without Consent

Dispatch published an article alleging that ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin had poached trainees from Source Music to form NewJeans. The article included a significant amount of private and sensitive material relating to NewJeans members and other former trainees.

Inappropriate Leaked Materials

The published report contained pre-debut evaluation videos, medical records, and KakaoTalk messages, all of which were released without the consent of those involved.

Notably, the leak extended to footage of former trainees who did not debut, thereby invading the privacy of individuals who are not public figures.

Among the most concerning content were videos showing NewJeans members made to perform suggestive dances in high heels and leggings while underage for a trainee evaluation. All NewJeans members were minors in the footages, two NewJeans members at the time of the leak were still minors. This material provoked outrage among fans and parents, who were alarmed by the exposure of minors in such a context.

Source Music and Dispatch’s Intention to Cause Harm to NewJeans

The inclusion of inappropriate materials was entirely unjustified. All they revealed was that the members of NewJeans had previously trained at Source Music—something that was already widely known before the article and required no further proof. If the intent had truly been to confirm their trainee history, Source Music and Dispatch could have provided documented proof of the members transferring between sub-labels, which is a common practice within HYBE.

Instead, they chose to disclose sensitive footage and private medical information, which served no legitimate purpose other than being a calculated attack to tarnish NewJeans’ fresh and innocent image while causing emotional harm to the members. This represents a serious breach of privacy and, considering the nature of the content, amounts to sexual harassment of minors.

2024-07-23: ADOR’s Position on the Dispatch Article

2024-07-23 ADOR Statement

ADOR, led by CEO Min Hee-jin, released a statement in response on the same day, which condemned how HYBE, Source Music, and Dispatched infringed on NewJeans’ human rights.

1. Unlawful Provision of Confidential Materials

ADOR accused HYBE and Source Music of unlawfully providing Dispatch with confidential and sensitive materials, as such information could not have been accessed without the direct involvement of HYBE and Source Music.

“The information covered in the report, such as internal meeting records, job assignments, and personal KakaoTalk conversations, is impossible to handle without cooperation from HYBE and Source Music, and without transmitting false information.”

2. Violation of Privacy and Contract Terms

ADOR highlights that Source Music and Dispatch exposed the personal information of former trainees and artists who have moved to other agencies, including medical records and demo data. This public disclosure is described as a serious breach of confidentiality and contract terms.

“In particular, the public exposure of personal information of trainees whose contracts have already ended and artists who have moved to other agencies, without permission, and the release of related materials including medical records and demo data, constitutes a serious violation of confidentiality and contract terms.”

3. Infringement on NewJeans Members’ Portrait Rights

The agency further states that the contracts with former trainees did not allow for the use of their likenesses or voices. Therefore, Source Music’s release of trainee videos is considered a serious illegal act that infringes on the portrait rights of NewJeans members.

“The trainee contracts between Source Music and NewJeans members have already been terminated, and there is no provision in these contracts allowing the use of the trainees' likenesses or voices. Therefore, Source Music’s disclosure of trainee videos through the media constitutes a serious illegal act that infringes on the portrait rights of the NewJeans members. We request immediate action to protect the artists.”

ADOR’s statement also:

• Condemns HYBE’s alleged fabrication and misuse of private communications to defame ADOR’s representative and announces plans for strong legal action.

• Details ongoing privacy violations involving CEO Min Hee-jin, including concerns about forensic analysis and cloud storage of private conversations.

• Calls for HYBE to cooperate with police investigations and cease further unlawful acts.

• Rejects the Dispatch article as entirely false and asserts its commitment to transparency and responsible evidence handling.

• Has released evidence in the form of an official email to counter Dispatch’s article and provide accurate context.

2024-07-23: Source Music’s Statement

2024-07-23 Source Music Statement

Source Music released a statement rejecting Min Hee-jin’s claims about the formation of NewJeans and announced legal actions against her.

“The statement distributed by Adore CEO Min Hee-jin today contains false claims related to Source Music, so we have no choice but to state the accurate facts.”

Source Music conspicuously did not directly address or deny the allegations regarding the invasion of NewJeans members’ privacy or its role in providing sensitive materials to Dispatch. 

However they indirectly admitted to posessing leaked materials, and threatened that they would continue to release sensitive and inappropriate materials in retaliation. This statement implied Source Music did supply the materials to Dispatch.

“We share our willingness to disclose the materials we possess at any time if necessary to clearly set the record straight.”

2024-07-25: Dispatch Confirms HYBE as the Source

Dispatch confirmed HYBE as the source of the leaked KakaoTalk messages by a disclaimer to its article.

"The KakaoTalk screenshots featured here were sourced from HYBE’s audit report submitted to an external agency."

This admission confirmed HYBE’s direct involvement in leaking private communications to damage Min Hee-jin’s reputation during their corporate dispute.

Given that Source Music exclusively held the trainee videos and medical records, this evidence further implicates HYBE and Source Music in orchestrating the entire leak.

2024-07-27: Dispatch Removed Sensitive Videos

Due to intense backlash, Dispatch has removed the sensitive videos from their article. However, as with any information leaked to the public, the damage is already done, and these unauthorised materials remain online until this day.

2024-08-27: ADOR Management Changes

Min Hee-jin, ADOR's founding CEO and an advocate for NewJeans, was removed from her position and replaced by Kim Joo-young, HYBE Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).

Min protested this decision as a violation of her shareholder agreement guaranteeing a five-year term as CEO.

Following this change, ADOR ceased all support for NewJeans regarding the leaks, abandoned all previous efforts made by Min Hee-jin, and began disregarding the member’s concerns while attempting to silence them.

2024-09-03: Team Bunnies Complaint Against HYBE, Source Music, and Dispatch

Team Bunnies, a group fo NewJeans fans, filed a formal criminal complaint with the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul against HYBE, Source Music, and Dispatch.

Represented by the law firm Opes, Team Bunnies accused HYBE and Source Music of illegally collecting and leaking personal information about NewJeans members and their former CEO, Min Hee-jin, which Dispatch then used in its reporting. The complaint specifically cited violations of the Personal Information Protection Act and the Information and Communications Network Act and defamation through the publication of leaked materials and malicious articles.

“Our firm, on behalf of Bunnies, filed a complaint with the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul today against HYBE, Source Music, and Dispatch for violating the Personal Information Protection Act, the Information and Communications Network Act, and for defamation caused by information leaks and articles.” - Opes

The legal team emphasised that HYBE, as ADOR’s parent company, and Source Music, another HYBE subsidiary, had no right to collect or disclose private information about NewJeans or their CEO.

“HYBE, as the parent company of ADOR, cannot illegally collect or leak personal information about the CEO and artists of its subsidiary, nor can Source Music, another HYBE subsidiary. The illegally collected and leaked personal information was used to write articles that have spread malicious comments about NewJeans. This has severely damaged the group’s reputation, and the harm is ongoing.”

They also noted that if Dispatch used materials that could only have come from insiders and published them without consent, this would constitute both defamation and a serious breach of privacy law. The complaint also addressed the emotional and reputational harm to NewJeans, especially given the group’s young age.

"If the leaked KakaoTalk conversation was provided by the internal PR team or another internal source at HYBE, this constitutes a serious personal information breach, and writing articles knowing this intent could also be considered an illegal act." - Lawyer Lee Hyun-gon, Opes Law Firm

Team Bunnies further announced their intention to continue filing additional complaints against malicious posts and defamatory content targeting NewJeans, having already collected thousands of such posts and hired more legal counsel to pursue the most actionable cases

The Korea Times Article

2024-09-11: NewJeans Members Publicly Address the Leaks

NewJeans held an unsanctioned emergency livestream , marking the first time the members spoke openly about the leaks and their treatment by management. During the 30-minute broadcast, the members expressed their shock and distress over the unauthorised release of private data, including trainee videos and medical records.

“Our private data such as videos and medical records from when we were trainees were released. I was really surprised to see it at first.” - Haerin

They also criticised the lack of action from HYBE and the new ADOR management since Min Hee-jin’s removal as CEO. They highlighted that, despite raising concerns alongside their parents and former CEO Min, HYBE had not addressed the leaks or provided support.

“We have raised issues with our parents and CEO Min, but HYBE has not solved it and there has been no active action. In the meantime, the CEO was dismissed and we are at a loss as to who we should trust and rely on in the future.” - Haerin

Despite making their concerns public, NewJeans did not receive any response or support from company management following the broadcast.

2024-09-23: Meeting with Kim Joo-young

Following their public appeals during the September livestream, NewJeans members and their parents met with ADOR’s new CEO, Kim Joo-young. During this meeting, both the members and their parents repeated their demands for accountability, focusing on unresolved workplace harassment claims and their concerns about the unauthorised leak of sensitive trainee materials.

“During the meeting, I raised the issue of videos from the NewJeans members' trainee days being leaked to online media without permission.” - NewJeans’ parents (2024-10-07 NewJeans Parents Interview with Ilgan Sports)

However, Kim Joo-young reportedly responded with vague and evasive answers. Parents were particularly unsettled when Kim became emotional and cried in front of the members as an attempt at emotional manipulation, causing distress to some members..

“During the meeting on the 23rd, CEO Kim Joo-young suddenly shed tears while speaking in front of the NewJeans members. It was very surprising. For the members, who lack much social experience, especially for the representative to show such emotional behavior in a meeting where various issues were being discussed, it could lead the kids to feel guilty. Moreover, we were discussing the harm we had suffered. In fact, during that meeting, one member cried, saying, 'Why are you making us the bad guys?'” - NewJeans’ parents (2024-10-07 NewJeans Parents Interview with Ilgan Sports)

Despite clear requests for answers and action, the meeting ended without any meaningful resolution or commitment from ADOR’s new management.

2024-09-25: Kim Joo-young attempted to silence NewJeans and their parents

Following repeated requests for action regarding the unauthorised leak of private materials involving NewJeans, the group’s members and their parents were met with a series of evasive, contradictory, and discouraging responses from newly appointed ADOR CEO Kim Joo-young.

Rather than advocating for the group, Kim appeared more concerned with silencing the victims, avoiding legal responsibility, and minimising reputational damage to Source Music, HYBE, and Dispatch.

1. Failure to Act in ADOR’s Capacity as Managing Agency

1.1. Shifted Responsibility to Fans and Refused to Act as a Managing Agency

Rather than taking legal action on behalf of the group, Kim advised the parents to rely on the outcome of a police report filed by the group’s fanbase, Team Bunnies—despite ADOR having both the legal authority and moral obligation to act against HYBE, Source Music, and Dispatch.

“Two days later, I received a response from CEO Kim Joo-young stating that the fans of NewJeans had reported that media outlet and Source Music to the police, and that we might consider waiting for the results.” - NewJeans’ parents (2024-10-07 NewJeans Parents Interview with Ilgan Sports)

This response effectively shifted the burden of responsibility onto fans, absolving ADOR of its duty to protect NewJeans.

1.2. No Actions Taken After Leadership Transition

Kim stated that ADOR had sent official letters to Source Music and Dispatch in August, but had received no reply..

“It also mentioned that ADOR had sent an official letter to Source Music and the media in August, but there had been no response.” - NewJeans’ parents (2024-10-07 NewJeans Parents Interview with Ilgan Sports)

However, this likely occurred under the leadership of former CEO Min Hee-jin, as Kim Joo-Young only took over at the end of August. Despite not receiving a response for over a month, she offered no details about any follow-up measures taken under her leadership, nor any plans for escalation.

1.3. Empty Promises of Support

Kim claimed that ADOR would provide resources if the members still wished to pursue a lawsuit—despite previously discouraging them from doing so.

“Moreover, despite considering all this, they said that if we wanted to proceed with the lawsuit, ADOR would provide the necessary resources for the NewJeans members to do so. I don’t know what kind of nonsensical contradiction that is.” - NewJeans’ parents (2024-10-07 NewJeans Parents Interview with Ilgan Sports)

In reality, ADOR has withdrawn meaningful support for NewJeans since the management transition and taken no action against those responsible for the leaks.

2. Intimidation and Gaslighting to Dissuade Legal Action

2.1. False Claims of Lack of Clear Evidence

Kim discouraged the members from filing a civil lawsuit for violation of portrait rights, stating it would be hard to win without "clear evidence".

“In the explanation email sent by CEO Kim Joo-young to us, it was stated that while the NewJeans members could file a civil lawsuit against the media for invasion of portrait rights... there were concerns that if we couldn't secure objective evidence about the leak, the chances of winning would be low. ” - NewJeans’ parents (2024-10-07 NewJeans Parents Interview with Ilgan Sports)

However, it is clear that Dispatch published the leaked materials without the members’ consent, and Source Music was the only party with access to those materials.

Kim Joo-young is using this excuse to refuse pursuing legal actions despite clear evidence showing that she prioritised protecting Source Music over the rights and well-being of ADOR’s artists.

2.2. Threatening Reputational Damage

Kim also suggested that legal actions against Dispatch, which violated NewJeans members’ human rights, would harm the members’ public image.

“In the explanation email sent by CEO Kim Joo-young to us, it was stated that while the NewJeans members could file a civil lawsuit against the media for invasion of portrait rights, we should consider the possibility that such legal actions against media outlets could be viewed negatively” - NewJeans’ parents (2024-10-07 NewJeans Parents Interview with Ilgan Sports)

Warning victims that standing up for themselves could damage their public image is a well-documented form of victim-blaming. This tactic, often used in cases involving sexual harassment or abuse, shifts guilt and responsibility from perpetrators onto those who have already suffered harm.

2.3 Threatening Legal Retaliation

Kim warned the members and parents that if the civil suit failed, Source Music might retaliate against NewJeans.

“[According to Kim Joo-young] Even if we sued Source Music, there is a possibility that they could turn it against us if we receive a no-bill disposition. - NewJeans’ parents (2024-10-07 NewJeans Parents Interview with Ilgan Sports)

This is a classic form of legal intimidation—discouraging victims from pursuing justice by invoking the threat of reputational damage or countersuits.

2.4 Downplaying the Seriousness of the Offences

Kim downplayed the severity of the offence by stating that there were no criminal penalties for invasion of portrait rights.

“[According to Kim Joo-young] There are no criminal penalties for invasion of portrait rights” - NewJeans’ parents (2024-10-07 NewJeans Parents Interview with Ilgan Sports)

This framing ignored that the leaks may involve criminal offences, including invasion of privacy and sexual harassment of minors—both punishable under South Korean law.

2.5 Contradictory Advice regarding criminal penalties

Kim’s advice was logically inconsistent. She claimed there were no criminal penalties, yet still advised the parents to wait for the results of a police investigation.

“It was stated that since the fans reported the media and Source Music, we could consider waiting for the results. I don’t understand why they are saying that there are no criminal penalties but then suggesting we wait for the results since the fans reported it. - NewJeans’ parents (2024-10-07 NewJeans Parents Interview with Ilgan Sports)

If a criminal case is off the table, the logical next step would be to pursue a civil suit. However, Kim simultaneously discouraged this route—effectively leaving the members with no legal recourse.

2024-10-07: Ilgan Sports Interview

In their first interview with Ilgan Sports, the parents of NewJeans members revealed Kim Joo-young’s problematic behaviours during and following the meeting on 2024-06-23. She refused to commit to pursuit legal actions as ADOR, and also attempted to convince them and the group not to take action against Source Music and to simply endure the situation.

They expressed deep concern that these issues would remain hidden and unresolved, leaving their children vulnerable within HYBE’s system.

“These issues usually occur in blind spots that others are not aware of, so I worry that they will ultimately be concealed as time passes. We are genuinely concerned about our children’s lives at HYBE because of these fears and doubts.”

After months of raising concerns and seeing no progress, the parents described feeling resigned and anxious about the future.

“We have protested and discussed various issues with the newly changed management of ADOR, but nothing has been resolved over the past few months, and we are now almost in a state of giving up and resignation, which makes us more worried about the future.”

2024-11-13: Certified Legal Notice Sent by NewJeans

All five members of NewJeans jointly sent a formal legal notice, known in Korea as a "certificate of contents," to their agency ADOR. This document, titled “Request for Rectification of Exclusive Contract Violations,” outlined several demands and gave ADOR a 14-day deadline to address what the group considered major breaches of their exclusive contract. The notice warned that failure to resolve these issues would result in NewJeans terminating their contracts with ADOR.

Their demands include:

1. Identify and take action against the person who decided and instructed to “abandon NewJeans.”

2. An official apology from the manager of BELIFT LAB who made remarks involving Hanni, saying, “Ignore her.”

3. Measures regarding inappropriate remarks made by a HYBE PR staff member.

4. Deletion of videos and photos of NewJeans used without consent.

5. Assess and address the damage NewJeans suffered due to “album push out.”

6. Resolve the dispute with Director Shin Woo Seok of Dolphiners Films and the issue of existing projects disappearing.

7. Preserve NewJeans’ unique identity and works.

8. Reinstate former CEO Min Hee Jin

2024-11-14: ADOR’s Acknowledgement of Legal Notice

AODR issued a public statement acknowleging recipt of NewJeans’ legal notice but procided no concrete actions or committments.

2024-11-27: NewJeans Contract Termination Press Conference

After not receiving any corrective actions or proper response, NewJeans hosted a press conerenfece to terminate their exclusive contracts.

2024-11-29: ADOR’s 22-Page Response

MHDHH revealed to the media the full 22-page response from ADOR addressing their concerns and ultimatum. ADOR's response, signed by CEO Kim Ju-young, was delivered to NewJeans both in print and via email on on 2024-11-27 at 19:00, 1 hour after the members called for the emergency press conference.

1. Assertion of Validation of Exclusive Contract

ADOR stated that the exclusive contract with MHDHH (formerly NewJeans), signed on 2022-04-21, remains valid until 2029-07-31. They acknowledged receipt of the group's legal notice on 2024-11-14 and maintained that their actions did not constitute a breach of contract.

1.1. Breach of Trust Not Sufficient for Termination

ADOR argued that a one-sided claim of lost trust is not a valid reason to terminate the contract.

“A unilateral claim of a breach of trust does not constitute valid grounds for terminating the contract.”

NewJeans’ contract explicitly allowed termination after a 14-day grace period if ADOR failed to protect the artists’ welfare and interests, which it had repeatedly.

1.2. Unmet Expectations Do Not Constitute Breach

ADOR stated that failing to meet the specific desires of the artists does not amount to a breach of contract.

“Even if these efforts are not in the specific way desired by the artiste, they cannot be considered a violation of the exclusive contract.”

Repeated neglect of artist welfare and failure to act on clear privacy violations may well constitute a breach of the duty of care, which is a fundamental part of any management contract. The legal threshold is not simply about meeting expectations, but about fulfilling contractual and ethical obligations.

1.3. Assertion That They Had Fulfilled Their Obligation as an Agency

ADOR claimed it had provided comprehensive support to the group.

“ADOR and all of its executives and staff have been doing their best in every way, both materially and spiritually, to support the entertainment activities of its artistes.”

“Whenever there is an issue, ADOR has gathered the opinions of the directors and has tried to solve the problem reasonably.”

Despite these claims, MHDHH and their parents repeatedly raised concerns-especially regarding privacy violations and staff mistreatment-that ADOR did not adequately address. As the management company, ADOR had a duty to act decisively, not just internally but also by pursuing actions against third-parties.

2. ADOR’s Excuses for Breaches

ADOR’s brought up several excuses on why they cannot fulfill the members’ demands, confirming that they cannot protect NewJeans’ best interests.

2.1. Insufficient Time for Resolution

ADOR argued that the 14-day deadline set by NewJeans was “insufficient” for addressing such complex issues, and that some actions required more time or cooperation from external parties.

“We are deeply saddened by how we were not given the chance to meet with the artists to discuss plans for next year and by how things turned out.”

However, The issues, such as leaked trainee videos, were first raised in July and repeatedly brought up thereafter. ADOR had several months to address these matters but failed to do so, making the 14-day deadline a final, not initial, opportunity for resolution.

2.2. Limitations Due to Third-Party Involvement

ADOR stated that some demands were beyond its authority, especially those involving third parties.

“Many of the issues the artists raised involved actions by third parties outside of ADOR. As the management company, we did everything we could, but there were inevitable limitations to some of the measures requested by the artists and their parents, such as obtaining an apology from a specific individual or securing a resolution from a third party”

While some issues involved third parties (such as Dispatch or Source Music), ADOR could have taken legal action or escalated the matter within HYBE.

Notably, Kim Ju-young, as CHRO, had the authority to address internal issues with Source Music. ADOR’s refusal to pursue legal or internal action suggests a lack of will, not capacity, to protect the group’s interests.

2.3. Scope of Requests

ADOR argued that some requests were too broad or abstract to be actionable.

“Some of the requests made by the artists were too abstract or overly broad, going beyond our authority or legal responsibilities.”

Management contracts require agencies to take reasonable steps to protect their artists. Dismissing requests as too broad does not absolve an agency from the responsibility to address serious concerns, especially those affecting welfare and safety.

In fact, many of the requests made by MHDHH were highly specific, yet ADOR repeatedly found other excuses to avoid addressing them.

Korea JoongAng Daily article

2025-03-07: Injunction Court

In the first court hearing, MHDHH cited workplace harassment and privacy violations, including alleged leaks of private materials, as evidence of broken trust and grounds for terminating their exclusive contract with ADOR.

ADOR dismissed these claims as irrelevant to the contract dispute, arguing that the core issue was the validity of the exclusive contract and that the alleged incidents did not amount to a breach significant enough to justify contract termination.

2025-03-21: Court Grants Injunction

The Seoul Central District Court granted ADOR’s injunction, prohibiting MHDHH from engaging in independent activities or signing advertising contracts while the lawsuit continued

Present

As of today, the unauthorised materials remain accessible online and are used by pro-HYBE netizens to harass MHDHH.

HYBE, Source Music, Dispatch: No Apology or Remediation

To date, neither Source Music nor Dispatch has apologised for the unauthorised disclosure of private information, despite the evident distress caused to MHDHH.

ADOR: Withdrawn Support from MHDHH Regarding the Leaks

While ADOR under Min Hee-jin’s leadership pledged legal action against Source Music and Dispatch, the new leadership at ADOR, now aligned with HYBE’s interests, dismissed the group’s concerns, failed to pursue legal action against Source Music or Dispatch, and instead expected MHDHH to tolerate the ongoing harm caused by these leaks.