“Why is the dating life important again?”- Internet reacts as speculations about Dispatch’s silence on HYBE artists’ romance rumors go viral online

HYBE has been caught up in speculations of silencing South Korean media outlet Dispatch from spreading romance rumors about their artists. On December 2, 2024, Dispatch revealed several alleged screenshots as evidence of Min Hee-jin's involvement in NewJeans’ YouTube live session held on September 11, 2024, and luring them to exit ADOR.

The entertainment conglomerate and former ADOR CEO have been in a feud since April 2024, the revelation made by Dispatch was a part of the conflict between the two parties and NewJeans contract termination. With this, many netizens believe that HYBE is tied up with the media agency and speculated that they hide their artists’ private lives by silencing them.

Notably, BTS’ V and BLACKPINK’s Jennie were caught up in relationship rumors, however, netizens noticed that Dispatch allegedly did not report on their dating speculations as much as they do on idols from other agencies. However, fans of artists from the multi-label agency came in defense. They stated that the company should protect the idols’ privacy.

“Why is the dating life important again?”- a fan said

“people are mad they pay them and dont let their artists’ personal lives get exposed? isn’t that what every company should be doing.”- a user stated

“Coz hybe know how to protect their artists frm braindead knetz harasing idols wid funeral wreath n making them apologize with hand written letters simply for dating, other companies could do that too.”- a fan added

Fans criticized those spreading rumors stating that dating is an artist's private matter and that the agencies should protect them from rumors and speculations.

“y’all saying they paid like it’s a bad thing ensuring your artist’s privacy is NOT the drag y’all want it to be.”- a user commented

“yall pls thats literally how dispatch works they leak any information that companies dont pay to cover up. hybe isnt special their checks are just the biggest.”- another user commented

“So what's the big deal? What do you want them to do, media play like other companies? You've become Min Hyejin's dog, telling the truth about her. How did you catch on Dispatch for the first time? Congratulations!”- a fan reacted

However, many netizens speculated that the label paid the media outlet to stop them from unveiling dating news of idols from other agencies.

“Maybe because dispatch are their besties and for years bury anything that could make their artists on a difficult situations?”- a fan wrote

“Paying Dispatch to let their dating rumors slide but snitch on everyone else.. this company has no business meddling like this.”- a user said

“Dispatch works for hybe!! We’ve known this for years!!!”- a fan stated

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HYBE executives and Dispatch reporters sued by Min Hee-jin following the recent report

On December 2, Dispatch unveiled screengrabs from Min Hee-jin's chats which allegedly indicated that she instigated NewJeans to leave ADOR and HYBE. The report also showcased evidence of the former ADOR CEO attempting to allegedly seduce one of the executives at the label.

Following the release of Dispatch’s report, Min Hee-jin's legal team announced that she had filed a defamation lawsuit against Dispatch reporters Kim Ji-ho and Park Hye-jin, former HYBE CEO Park Ji-won, and PR executive Park Tae-hee.

Her legal representatives stated that the executives illegally obtained her private chats to create a negative image of her. Further adding that the media outlet made up false information despite being aware of the label's motives behind it.

Notably, NewJeans announced their contract termination on November 28, 2024, four days before Min Hee-jin's defamation litigation. However, ADOR stated that the contract is still valid.