Min Hee-jin Blames HYBE for NewJeans Controversy: '100% Their Responsibility'

Min Hee-jin, former CEO of ADOR, has spoken out about the series of events involving the group NewJeans, stating that it is "100% HYBE's responsibility."

On December 4th, Min appeared on the YouTube channel 'Genre Only Yeouido'(장르만 여의도) to express her stance on the NewJeans situation.

When asked if she feels any remorse towards NewJeans, Min replied, "HYBE should feel more apologetic towards NewJeans."

She further explained, "On April 22, 2024, they orchestrated a public opinion campaign against us, labeling us as traitors. There are over 1,700 related articles," emphasizing that "protesting against what feels unjust is a natural right and a matter of human rights."

Regarding the recent confusion during the members' return process, Min stated, "Civil trials are not about determining right or wrong but about addressing damages. It's strange to divide the members into two and three and discuss them separately," adding, "I don't understand why they are being portrayed as problematic."

When the host asked if this was HYBE's decision or if the members had differing opinions, Min countered, "I understand that the decision to appeal was made on the same date," dismissing the notion of differing opinions among the members. She also addressed the host's comment that "two members expressed their intention to return through the company, while three did so through a law firm," by stating, "There are reports that they contacted ADOR directly," and emphasized, "If it's for the kids, explanations should not be divisive."

Min continued, "If three members have expressed their intention to return, it should be accepted as is. Why question and doubt their sincerity?" She criticized the approach as "only causing confusion among the fandom," and added, "Adults should not express themselves in ways that incite conflict if they care about the kids. It's regrettable and infuriating that the situation has escalated to this point."

When asked where she believes the responsibility for the current situation lies, Min stated, "From my perspective, it's 100% HYBE's responsibility."

Meanwhile, HYBE terminated its shareholder agreement with Min last July, accusing her of attempting to privatize NewJeans and ADOR. Subsequently, in August, she was removed from her CEO position by the board. In response, Min resigned from her internal director position in November of the same year and notified HYBE of her intention to exercise a put option. However, HYBE maintains that the contract was already terminated, rendering the put option ineffective.

Min's side argues that there was no breach of contract, making HYBE's termination notice invalid, and that the exercised put option is legitimate. The put option is calculated by multiplying ADOR's average operating profit over the past two years by 13, applying 75% of Min's shareholding, and is estimated to be worth approximately 26 billion KRW(approximately $17.7 million).

Recently, as NewJeans members lost their lawsuit to confirm the validity of their exclusive contract with ADOR and expressed their intention to return, Min has established a new agency, OOAK (One of a Kind). It is reported that she has also held auditions recently.

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