Remember the saga involving Min Hee-jin, ADOR and HYBE?
There’s now an update.
NewJeans, a popular girl group under ADOR, which is under HYBE, suddenly spoke out two weeks ago, asking Ador return to its original management structure under Min Hee-jin by 25 September.
It seems like ADOR did hear them, but have decided not to comply with the girl group’s request to reinstate former CEO Min Hee-jin.
The agency pointed to HYBE’s principle of keeping management and production roles separate. Despite this, ADOR mentioned that Min Hee-jin could still serve as both an internal director and NewJeans’ producer.
In an official statement, ADOR said, “The board has resolved to convene an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting to reappoint Min Hee-jin as an internal director. However, the board cannot accept the request for her reinstatement as CEO at this time. Her role and authority as the producer for NewJeans are fully guaranteed, and further discussions on specific terms will take place in the future.”
In response, Min released a press statement, again asking to be reinstated as CEO to ensure the continued success and performance of the artistes under her leadership.
If you’re not up to date with this real-life K-drama, here’s what happened.
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 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.
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