The dispute between ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and HYBE revealed many underlying issues. Thanks to this latest storm, many things such as unseen hypocrisy and pretense were uncovered. 

Recently, one journalist brought to attention a photo that has been at the center of discussion in various online communities. Journalist Jung Hye Seung explained, " 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'."

The journalist criticized the fact that all the executive officers at HYBE were male. She stated, "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 pointed out, "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."

Regardless of Min Hee Jin's merits as CEO, it's clear she has demonstrated her capabilities from a different perspective than those of the "old geezers."

She explained that this issue of having male-dominant industry and government bodies has been a topic of discussion in the past as well. The journalist explained, "There's a poignant recollection of a troubling incident surrounding the JTBC New Year's debate promotion photo led by Son Suk Hee. Each year, the panel exclusively comprises elderly men, reflecting a pervasive trend in Korean society where significant positions are monopolized by the older generation. 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 criticized that the absence of diversity goes beyond just this photo. She explained when like-minded people come together, they tend to overlook critical aspects. If only people with the same background are placed in decision-making groups, they fall into the trap of collective blindness.

The journalist elaborated, "This example appears in 'Diversity Power' by British journalist Matthew Syed. Exclusively gathering elite individuals within their own circles poses a significant risk. This isn't just limited to companies; the operational methods of governments are also deeply concerning."

She also pointed out, "Indeed, when individuals from similar backgrounds share similar perspectives, they often overlook important aspects together. Diverse perspectives are essential to gaining comprehensive insights. Therefore, if an organization neglects to cultivate diversity among its members, it risks operating blindly, with repercussions that affect our daily lives unnoticed."

Journalist Jung concluded by underscoring the recent controversy surrounding ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, emphasizing how it has once again brought attention to the ongoing issues of diversity within positions of power, particularly at HYBE.

Korean netizens responded:

"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."

SEE ALSO: NewJeans continue to soar in popularity: "Bubble Gum" music video surpasses 19.44 million views amid controversies