Step into the world of K-pop where stars shine bright and dreams come true. But behind the scenes, there’s a different kind of story unfolding. Meet Min Hee Jin, the boss at ADOR, a big company linked to HYBE, the K-pop giant.
There’s a fight happening, not on stage, but in the offices. It’s all about fairness for women in top jobs. Let’s take a closer look at this drama, understand what’s going on, and see what it means for the future of HYB
ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin’s Conflict Exposes Gender Inequity Within HYBE’s Executive Ranks
The conflict between HYBE and ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin exposed a number of underlying problems. Many things, including unseen hypocrisy and pretense, were exposed as a result of this current storm.
A journalist recently drew attention to a photo that has become the subject of debate in several internet forums. Journalist Jung Hye Seung clarified, saying, “In my case, it was triggered by a single photograph. It depicted the leaders of HYBE, all 11 of whom were men. This photo, as it turns out, had already sparked criticism as a symbol of male dominance in the company’s 2021 introduction video. Now, it has become a hot topic again on social media, dubbed ‘photo proving ‘Gaejuhssi’ (a derogatory term for an older man) in power’.”
Latest feud between #ADOR CEO #MinHeeJin reignites criticism toward the gender disparities in #HYBE corporate leadershiphttps://t.co/XnmXNrF4OY
— allkpop (@allkpop) May 1, 2024
The journalist took issue with HYBE’s all-male executive officer board. She said, “An organization that fails to recognize the issue presented by such a problematic photo is facing a crisis. Whether it’s a company, government, political party, university, or conference, such images should not be condoned, particularly on an international level. Events with only “manels” (male panels) instead of panels featuring both genders will inevitably face boycotts from speakers and debaters.”
Journalist Jung also said, “Despite facing criticism of the photo in 2021, HYBE did not exhibit any signs of embarrassment or bewilderment regarding the prevailing male dominance. As of December 2023, the executive team comprised nine men and only one woman. Furthermore, HYBE sustains the industry’s widest gender pay gap, with men earning an average of 76 million KRW (~55,152.42 USD) compared to women’s 51 million KRW (~37,010 USD). These disparities persist even as the company actively promotes girl groups.”
Irrespective of Min Hee Jin’s qualifications as CEO, it is evident that she has proven her ability from a different viewpoint to the “old geezers.”
She clarified that there has already been a discussion on the problem of male-dominated government and industry. “There’s a poignant recollection of a troubling incident surrounding the JTBC New Year’s debate promotion photo led by Son Suk Hee,” the journalist added.
“Each year, the panel exclusively comprises elderly men, reflecting a pervasive trend in Korean society where the older generation monopolizes significant positions. This prompted a thought-provoking YouTube lecture titled ‘Where did all those women go?’ The issue isn’t necessarily deliberate exclusion but rather the failure to acknowledge the underlying patterns of exclusion and discrimination, which is particularly concerning.”
She also took issue with the fact that there isn’t any diversity in this image alone. She clarified that when like-minded individuals meet together, they frequently forget important details. When decision-making groups consist solely of individuals with similar backgrounds, they become susceptible to the phenomenon known as collective blindness.
The scandal involving ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin was highlighted by journalist Jung in her conclusion, highlighting how it has once again drawn attention to the persistent problems with diversity in positions of power, particularly at HYBE.
In response, Korean internet users said:
“Ugh, seriously, there’s a stench. There must be a reason for HYBE’s decline.”
“If you think about the fact that most of the consumers are women… this is outrageous.”
“All of them are the ‘Gaejuhssi’ Min Hee Jin was talking about.”
“There’s a reason HYBE’s concepts were all so out of touch.”
“So they were basically trying to drive Min Hee Jin out.”
“The workers are all women.”
“Min Hee Jin fighting.”
“I get now what Min Hee Jin was talking about. All these ‘Gaejuhssi’s.”
“Makes me want to throw up.”
“They need to drive all these incompetent people out.”
“I think what Min Hee Jin said was all true and she said nothing wrong.”
Here are some newer updates for you to take a look at:
