Min Hee-jin's Return to ADOR Falls Through Amidst NewJeans' Rejection

Min Hee-jin's return to ADOR has been thwarted as NewJeans' demands were effectively rejected. Min Hee-jin voiced her frustration, stating that ADOR did not make a sincere proposal.

On the 25th, Min Hee-jin said, "The ADOR board announced on the morning of September 11 that they had proposed to Min Hee-jin to take charge of NewJeans' production for the next five years. However, there was no sincere proposal to remove numerous toxic clauses, such as the unilateral termination rights in the initial draft. The term 'compromise proposal' is just wordplay," she emphasized.

She continued, "Min Hee-jin is wary that extending the term under a flawed contract would prevent NewJeans from engaging in normal artist activities. Min Hee-jin has clearly expressed her intention to return as CEO and has requested a concrete contract reflecting HYBE's sincerity. She is furious that ADOR is engaging in media play before any negotiations on the terms, positions, duration, and authority have been agreed upon."

She particularly stressed, "The authority as CEO is necessary to defend against various irregularities within HYBE and there is no reason for her to be removed from the CEO position. I am deeply angered by ADOR's repeated lies to manipulate public opinion, and I am saddened by the harm this causes to the artists. I hope the ADOR board will show good faith by engaging in sincere negotiations before resorting to media play. We strongly demand Min Hee-jin's reinstatement as CEO for the sake of normal artist achievements."

Meanwhile, ADOR officially stated, "The ADOR board resolved to convene an extraordinary general meeting to reappoint Min Hee-jin as an internal director." They added, "On the morning of September 11, we had already proposed to Min Hee-jin to take charge of NewJeans' production for the next five years, which is the entire remaining contract period with NewJeans."

ADOR did not accept Min Hee-jin's return as CEO, effectively rejecting NewJeans' core demands. ADOR stated, "However, the board discussed and decided that the request for reinstatement as CEO is currently unacceptable. Given that the basic guarantees regarding the position, duration, and authority as the PD in charge of NewJeans' production have been made, we expect further negotiations on specific conditions."

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

The music industry is 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 ultimatum. Recently, HYBE's stock price hit a 52-week low due to uncertainties in their relationship with NewJeans, highlighting the importance of this issue for HYBE.

Full Statement from Min Hee-jin

Hello.

This is Marcol Consulting Group, responsible for media communication on behalf of Min Hee-jin, former CEO of ADOR, in collaboration with law firm Sejong.

This morning, the ADOR board resolved to convene an extraordinary general meeting to reappoint Min Hee-jin as an internal director. However, since the appointment of internal directors is decided by the major shareholder HYBE, it is uncertain at this point whether Min Hee-jin will be reappointed.

Meanwhile, the ADOR board announced on the morning of September 11 that they had proposed to Min Hee-jin to take charge of NewJeans' production for the next five years. However, there was no sincere proposal to remove numerous toxic clauses, such as the unilateral termination rights in the initial draft. The term 'compromise proposal' is just wordplay.

Min Hee-jin is wary that extending the term under a flawed contract would prevent NewJeans from engaging in normal artist activities. She has clearly expressed her intention to return as CEO and has requested a concrete contract reflecting HYBE's sincerity. She is furious that ADOR is engaging in media play before any negotiations on the terms, positions, duration, and authority have been agreed upon.

HYBE's media activities this morning were revealed to undermine the achievements of their artists. It is suspicious why they urgently made a statement today and whether they are trying to drive a wedge between Min Hee-jin and NewJeans. As you know, HYBE has always started unreasonable media play first and then made another statement to cover up the truth when it is revealed.

The authority as CEO is necessary to defend against various irregularities within HYBE and there is no reason for her to be removed from the CEO position.

I am deeply angered by ADOR's repeated lies to manipulate public opinion, and I am saddened by the harm this causes to the artists. I hope the ADOR board will show good faith by engaging in sincere negotiations before resorting to media play. We strongly demand Min Hee-jin's reinstatement as CEO for the sake of normal artist achievements.

Full Statement from Min Hee-jin

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

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