The image featured members of LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT and KATSEYE - three top girl groups under HYBE's sponsorship - was taken behind the scenes at LE SSERAFIM's recent world tour concert.
HYBE President Bang Si Hyuk added the hashtag to each group with the message #Oneteam (one group), highlighting the spirit of solidarity of female artists managed by HYBE.
Notably, HYBE President Bang Si Hyuk chose to post a photo without NewJeans and did not mention this group even though they are still under the management of the company.
The reason is that since November last year, NewJeans members have been embroiled in a legal conflict with HYBE's ADOR record label by trying to unilaterally terminate their contracts and pursue independent activities under the name NJZ.
The legal battle reached a turning point on March 21, when the court sided with ADOR in the preliminary ban, recognizing ADOR as still NewJeans' management company. The ruling prohibits NewJeans members from engaging in entertainment activities without ADOR's prior consent - including composing music, performing, appearing on television, and commercial contracts.
Although NewJeans filed an appeal, the Seoul Central District Court rejected their objection on April 16, reaffirming ADOR's legal rights to the group's activities.
While Bang Si Hyuk's post aims to highlight HYBE's unified girl group front, the absence of NewJeans has created a controversy with the audience, especially those who support NewJeans.
