K-pop girl group NewJeans stirred controversy by directly addressing their conflict with HYBE and Min Hee Jin, a director at ADOR.
During the emergency livestream, titled “What NewJeans Wanted to Say,” the members appeared serious and made candid statements. Hyein expressed concern for the group’s future, stating, “I am worried that people might think this was all directed by Min. However, we organized this broadcast because we have important things to say.”
Minji added, “Our message is directed towards HYBE,” noting that despite discussions with management, communication was ineffective. She continued, “Since NewJeans’ debut, I’ve personally gotten to know Min Hee Jin. Despite initial concerns about navigating adult and societal issues, our trust in her has grown.”
Minji also revealed, “Recently, private records from before our debut were leaked, which shocked us. It’s incomprehensible that a company responsible for our protection would leak such materials,” reflecting fears about further data mishandling. She added, “We requested protection from HYBE along with Min Hee Jin and our parents, but HYBE ignored us, and Min Hee Jin was dismissed during this period.”
Hanni recounted a recent unsettling incident in a makeup room frequently used by other idol groups. She overheard a manager from another group dismissively saying, “Ignore her,” loud enough for her to hear. Minji was shocked by this incident and noted that despite reporting it to their company, no action was taken, and the other team neither apologized nor acknowledged their mistake.
Hanni also expressed dissatisfaction with the current management, contrasting it with the support they previously received from Min Hee Jin. She explained that although they initially tried to trust the new management team, their issues have only escalated. Hanni specifically mentioned a recent incident involving Director Shin Woo Seok and ADOR, suggesting that it should not have occurred.
Hand voiced doubts about HYBE’s commitment to NewJeans, saying, “For the past six months, there have been constant, exhausting stories about NewJeans, and it makes me very uncomfortable.” She called for Min’s reinstatement.
Minji concluded, “I wish they would stop tormenting Min Hee Jin,” adding, “It feels like she is being treated unfairly, and HYBE appears inhumane. We want the original ADOR with Min Hee Jin at the helm, integrating management and producing. We hope Bang Si Hyuk and HYBE make a wise decision to normalize ADOR by the 25th.”
This livestream led to mixed reactions online. Some empathize with NewJeans, commenting, “How frustrated must they be to speak out like this?” and questioning whether the behavior of the HYBE manager constitutes workplace bullying. Others argue, “Should artists be involved in executive matters?” and suggest that Min Hee Jin also bears responsibility for the situation, viewing the group’s response as overly emotional.
The account used for the livestream has since been deleted. HYBE and ADOR have yet to release official statements, increasing speculation about their response to NewJeans’ action.
Meanwhile, ADOR announced on August 27th that Kim Ju Young was appointed the new CEO. ADOR stated, “Kim Ju Young, an HR expert with diverse industry experience, will focus on stabilizing the organization and internal restructuring.”
ADOR also clarified that while Min Hee Jin will step down as CEO, she will remain on the ADOR board and continue overseeing NewJeans’ production. The company plans to separate its production and management functions, aligning with the multi-label operating principles applied across all HYBE labels, a practice ADOR previously deviated from.
Min Hee Jin’s side contends that the dismissal decision violates the shareholder agreement and the injunction against exercising voting rights, criticizing the unilateral notification of her ongoing production duties. On the 30th of last month, Min Hee Jin’s representatives noted, “The work delegation contract specifies only two months and six days, which is inadequate for producing an idol group.” At the same time, ADOR responded that the contract was aligned with Min Jin’sin’s tenure as a director.