Ador Rejects NewJeans' Key Demand, Min Hee-jin's Return as CEO Uncertain

Min Hee-jin's return as CEO of Ador has been thwarted, as the group's demands have been effectively rejected.

On the 25th, Ador released an official statement saying, "Ador has resolved to convene an extraordinary general meeting to reappoint Min Hee-jin as an internal director." The statement continued, "On the morning of September 11, we had already proposed to Min Hee-jin to take charge of producing NewJeans for the next five years, which is the entire remaining contract period with NewJeans."

However, Ador did not accept Min Hee-jin's return as CEO. This is seen as a rejection of the core issue raised by NewJeans. Ador stated, "However, the board of directors discussed and decided that the request for her return as CEO is currently unacceptable. Given that the basic guarantees regarding her position, duration, and authority as the PD in charge of NewJeans have been established, we expect further negotiations on specific conditions."

Ador also added, "We have provided detailed answers via email to the NewJeans members regarding the discussions and various inquiries made during today's board meeting."

The music industry is now closely watching the outcome of Ador's response. The industry views NewJeans' official support for Min Hee-jin and their demand for "Min Hee-jin's Ador system" as a significant move, even calling it a "final ultimatum." Recently, HYBE's stock price hit a 52-week low due to uncertainties surrounding its relationship with NewJeans. The consensus in the industry is that the outcome of this issue is crucial for HYBE.

Ador's Official Statement

Ador has resolved to convene an extraordinary general meeting to reappoint Min Hee-jin as an internal director.
On the morning of September 11, we had already proposed to Min Hee-jin to take charge of producing NewJeans for the next five years, which is the entire remaining contract period with NewJeans.
However, the board of directors discussed and decided that the request for her return as CEO is currently unacceptable.
Given that the basic guarantees regarding her position, duration, and authority as the PD in charge of NewJeans have been established, we expect further negotiations on specific conditions.
We have provided detailed answers via email to the NewJeans members regarding the discussions and various inquiries made during today's board meeting.

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