NewJeans Demands Return of Min Hee-jin as ADOR CEO, Pressures HYBE for Response

The K-pop group NewJeans has crossed a point of no return by demanding the reinstatement of Min Hee-jin as the CEO of their parent company, ADOR. The group's ultimatum, "Reinstate Min Hee-jin as ADOR CEO by the 25th," has put the spotlight on how HYBE will respond.

On the 11th, NewJeans took to a non-official YouTube channel to express their grievances and demands in a live broadcast titled 'NewJeans Emergency Live.' The group openly discussed their dissatisfaction with Min Hee-jin's dismissal and their expectations from HYBE.

During the live session, NewJeans emphasized their desire for the return of the 'Min Hee-jin system' at ADOR. Minji stated, "What we want is for Min Hee-jin to remain as CEO, combining management and producing roles as originally intended. This is the only way to avoid conflict with HYBE." She added, "If our message is clear, we hope Chairman Bang Si-hyuk will make the wise decision to restore ADOR to its original state by the 25th."

The group did not hold back in criticizing HYBE and the current ADOR management. Hyein revealed, "We found out about Min Hee-jin's dismissal through news articles on the day it happened. It was so sudden and unimaginable for us, leaving us in a state of shock. The unilateral notification from the company made us feel utterly disrespected."

Regarding their first meeting with the new ADOR CEO, Kim Joo-young, Hyein said, "In the midst of this chaotic situation, we were told the new CEO wanted to meet us. From the very first interaction, there was no sense of consideration for us. Despite claims of prioritizing and caring for us, it felt far from the truth." She questioned, "How can releasing articles that portray us negatively just five days before our comeback be in our best interest?"

Danielle expressed her concerns, saying, "It seems like we won't be able to achieve the dreams we planned with Min Hee-jin. We were just working hard for our dreams, so what did we do wrong?" She added, "Since Min Hee-jin's dismissal, we haven't been able to work with our long-time director and staff, which makes us very anxious. If they truly care about us, they should let us work with the people we trust and enjoy making music with."

Haerin stated, "I don't want to conform or follow the current situation. I will not choose to go in that direction," indicating her intent to boycott.

Hyein further criticized HYBE's working methods, saying, "HYBE's way of working is neither honest nor right. Please stop interfering. Reinstate Min Hee-jin and return ADOR to its original state. We're not asking for more; just let everyone do their jobs well in their respective positions."

Danielle also voiced her support for Min Hee-jin, saying, "From a human perspective, I hope HYBE stops tormenting Min Hee-jin. The company appears inhumane to us. What can we learn from such a company?"

Previously, NewJeans had publicly supported Min Hee-jin, and in this 30-minute emergency live session, they reiterated their demand for her reinstatement and the return of her leadership. While HYBE is reportedly preparing a response, they have yet to make an official statement.

Last month, ADOR dismissed Min Hee-jin and appointed Kim Joo-young as the new CEO. ADOR stated that Min Hee-jin would continue to handle NewJeans' producing duties and retain her position as an internal director. However, Min Hee-jin's camp claimed that the dismissal was unilateral and that the proposed delegation contract for producing duties was unreasonable.

Choi Ji-ye, TenAsia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr