NewJeans Finally Spoke Out Publicly About the HYBE & Min Hee-Jin Saga

The members of K-pop girl group NewJeans have finally weighed in on the ongoing public conflict between parent company HYBE and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-Jin since tensions began five months ago.

NewJeans Finally Spoke Out Publicly About the HYBE & Min Hee-Jin Saga

In a now-deleted livestream, members of K-pop group NewJeans — Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein — voiced their concerns about the ongoing changes within their management.

The group expressed their support for former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin and criticized HYBE and the new ADOR CEO, Kim Joo-young, for ignoring their concerns. Hyein explained that the livestream was made because the situation directly impacted their lives, and they felt the need to speak up for themselves.

The members highlighted several troubling incidents, including leaked private information and unresolved issues with management.

Haerin specifically called out HYBE for failing to protect the group when personal records, including medical information, were made public. Hanni also shared her experience of being told to be “ignored” by another HYBE group, adding that the new management dismissed her concerns.

Danielle and Minji expressed their desire to continue working with Min Hee-jin, stating that she played a crucial role in shaping NewJeans’ identity. Minji added that the ongoing conflict between HYBE and director Shin Woo-seok further fueled their frustration, as the group felt their concerns were being ignored under the guise of “protection.”

Towards the end of the video, the members requested that ADOR return to its original management structure under Min Hee-jin by 25 September, emphasizing that they did not want special treatment but only wanted to coexist peacefully with HYBE while working towards their goals.

What Happened

The incident between HYBE and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-Jin originated in 2021 when HYBE established subsidiary label ADOR with Min as CEO, with HYBE owning  80% of the company.

Under Min’s creative direction, ADOR launched the hugely successful girl group NewJeans in 2022.

However, tensions surfaced in April 2024 when HYBE accused Min of plotting to seize control of ADOR and break away from the parent company.

Min has also reportedly accused HYBE of copying NewJeans’ concept such as hair and makeup styles, outfits, choreographies and whatnot, for another girl group.

HYBE filed a criminal complaint against Min for breach of trust and accused her of being inappropriately “coached” by a shaman on management matters.

Min denied the allegations in a tearful press conference, arguing it would be “unimaginable” for her to attempt a takeover given HYBE’s majority stake.

She also filed police reports against HYBE executives, accusing them of defamation and leaking her private messages.

HYBE subsidiaries like BELIFT LAB and Source Music also filed criminal complaints and lawsuits against Min for defamation and obstruction of business over her comments about their groups.

In May, a court granted an injunction filed by Min, blocking her dismissal as CEO by HYBE. The court recognized Min’s attempt to gain independence from HYBE but ruled she did not breach trust against ADOR.

The court also found Min’s plagiarism concerns about HYBE’s new girl group were “legitimate.” Despite this ruling, ADOR’s board voted to replace Min Hee Jin as CEO with Kim Ju-young. Min remains an internal director to oversee NewJeans’ production but no longer serves as CEO.