Fandom tensions escalated on November 14 when supporters of LE SSERAFIM staged a truck protest in front of HYBE’s headquarters in Yongsan‑gu, Seoul, expressing anger over the announced comeback of NewJeans under agency ADOR. The protest came amid ongoing contract disputes and factional strife within HYBE’s labels.
Banners on the trucks carried messages such as: “Separate the real perpetrator NewJeans and the real victim LE SSERAFIM unconditionally,” “HYBE, act now and sue the malicious comments against LE SSERAFIM by the Bunnies fandom,” “No forced ‘reconciliation shows’ or fake apologies,” and “HYBE must protect victim LE SSERAFIM from the perpetrator.”
LE SSERAFIM’s fandom demands that HYBE “actively protect our group and separate them from the aggressor fandom and its activities.”
Previously, on the same day, Source Music issued an official warning after malicious comments and unverified rumors targeting LE SSERAFIM and its members surged in recent days.
The agency released a statement addressing the escalation of online harassment. “We have confirmed a recent and rapid increase in malicious posts including defamation, slander, ridicule, and the spread of false information targeting LE SSERAFIM and individual members,” the company stated.
The agency emphasized that posts written as though they were factual despite being based on inaccurate information or speculation constitute a serious violation of the artists’ rights. “Creating posts that defame the artist’s character by framing unverified claims or rumors as facts is an illegal act that infringes on personal rights,” they noted.
Source Music further explained that it is “fully aware of the severity of such unlawful behaviors” and has strengthened its monitoring system and legal procedures to protect the members.
According to the agency, several individuals have already faced criminal penalties following previous legal notices. Maintaining its zero-tolerance policy, the label reiterated that it will continue pursuing criminal action without settlement or leniency , holding offenders fully accountable.
The increase in hate comments comes after renewed attention on the conflict between ADOR’s former CEO Min Hee Jin and HYBE management. As NewJeans members begin the process of returning to ADOR, unverified rumors about both teams have resurfaced online.
Some of the fallout extended to LE SSERAFIM, as several NewJeans members were formerly trainees under Source Music. The agency indicated that the members have been unfairly targeted as speculation spread across communities.
Source Music concluded its statement by promising continued efforts to protect the artists’ rights and emotional well-being amid the ongoing online attacks.
Sources: Daum
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