As in progress New Jeans the conflict continues to evolve in unexpected ways, recent media confrontations between the former CEO of ADOR May and the former First Lady of South Korea Kim Keon Hee have sparked discussions about a “parallel theory,” the idea that two seemingly unrelated figures can reflect similar trajectories in different fields. What could an entertainment executive and a political figure have in common?
The term “parallel theory” originally refers to historical coincidences between people of different eras, such as the oft-cited similarities between former U.S. presidents Abraham Lincoln AND John F. Kennedy. But in today’s cultural landscape, this theory is increasingly being applied beyond politics to the entertainment industry.
Entertainment is often seen as a mirror of politics. Just as public sentiment can make or break a politician, it can also make or break a celebrity’s career. Concepts like “propaganda,” once exclusive to political arenas, are now the basis of branding and survival in entertainment. Framing, storytelling and image control are essential tools for influencing.
THE New Jeans The lawsuit, triggered by the group’s announcement to cancel their exclusive contracts with ADOR, took a surprising turn after the members expressed their willingness to return to the label following a court defeat. MayThe role of during this saga has become increasingly similar to that of a political maneuver made of strategic silence, reappearance and recalibration of the image.
Despite being a salaried CEO under HYBE, May sought to brand itself as the creative core and spiritual owner of New Jeans. He publicly distanced himself from the founder of HYBE Hyuk Bangpresenting herself as a revolutionary and independent creator. This framing was not unlike political narratives in which a figure seeks to redefine himself amidst controversy.
After openly declaring legal war on HYBE in April 2024, minimum he surprisingly withdrew from media appearances. For someone once eager to dominate headlines, this silence was notable. His recent return, timed with public discussions around New Jeans‘ return, was accompanied by the firm declaration: “The NewJeans must have five members.” Strategically, he echoed political re-entry tactics during the crisis, only to reemerge with a strong message.
He also made headlines for urging, “Don’t drag children into fights between adults” a statement open to interpretation given his previous role in making the conflict public. Critics point out that she held the initial press conference that sparked the scandal, placing herself at the center of the dispute. This too, analysts say, could be part of a strategy to shift blame and reconsider itself as an outsider or even a victim of internal conflicts.
Similar techniques are seen in Kim Keon Heepublic image management. Despite early controversy regarding his academic and career credentials, Kim she simultaneously cultivated the persona of “the people’s First Lady” through carefully staged images comforting someone in distress, petting a police dog before disappearing from the public eye during scrutiny. Then he usually returned with neat appearances.
This cycle of retreat and reemergence, of managing responsibility by attributing decisions to advisors or associates, is familiar in both fields. Kim Keon Hee often stated “I never gave orders“O”It was done by others”, deflecting responsibilities. May she has reflected this in recent court testimony, claiming that her proxies initiated actions independently of her.
During a hearing held on November 27 in the Seoul Central District Court, minimum she stressed that the plans to leave HYBE were not conceived by her, but by former ADOR leaders. When asked if these actions were taken without her instructions or knowledge, she replied “Yes” and also added: “I don’t know why they did it.”
Even in discussions about breach of trust, he distanced himself by saying that although he gave instructions, they were misunderstood or unrelated to the legal issue at hand. This reflects Kim Keon HeeThe approach minimizes involvement by positioning oneself as a passive participant or misunderstood actor in times of controversy.
Furthermore, both women were accused of excessive reliance on unofficial consultants. KimThe connection to alleged shamans remains a point of scrutiny, while minimum has been linked to a mysterious figure known as “Jiyoungnim0814,” who allegedly influenced key decisions such as naming, hiring and stock-related matters. Both have denied or downplayed such ties, but questions remain about informal networks of influence.
Interestingly, both women are heading towards a critical legal fight around the same time. Early next year, Kim Keon Hee she would face legal scrutiny related to her husband Yoon Suk YeolWhile May awaits a key ruling on the dispute between its shareholders and HYBE. The fact that their respective dramas in politics and entertainment could culminate simultaneously only fuels further discussion about their perceived parallels.
Whether these “parallel lives” continue to mirror or diverge in the coming months will largely depend on court rulings and public opinion. What remains certain is the way in which both figures created and exercised the power of narrative by choosing when to speak, when to retreat, and how to reframe themselves within public discourse. Their stories raise larger questions about responsibility, image control, and the blurred lines between influence and responsibility.
Sources: Daum
