Min Hee-jin Leaves HYBE, NewJeans Staff Expected to Follow

Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of ADOR, has officially severed ties with HYBE. Reports suggest that her close associates, often referred to as the 'Min Line,' are also expected to leave ADOR soon, drawing significant attention to the situation.

On November 21, Japan's Asahi TV reported that 'NewJeans Mom' Min Hee-jin has departed from ADOR. The outlet noted that after being dismissed from HYBE, Min engaged in legal battles but ultimately decided that 'further efforts would be a waste of time,' leading her to resign from her position as an inside director. It was also mentioned that many staff members who have supported Min and NewJeans are likely to resign as well.

This development has fueled speculation that Min Hee-jin may be planning to establish a new venture alongside NewJeans. If the team members who collaborated with Min to create NewJeans and develop their concepts and albums leave ADOR en masse, the identity of ADOR could effectively vanish. Should these departing staff members reunite with Min, it would mean that the new entity they form would essentially be a rebranded version of ADOR, making NewJeans' future direction quite predictable.

Moreover, NewJeans has reportedly sent a legal notice to ADOR demanding Min Hee-jin's reinstatement. The members have issued an ultimatum, stating that they will terminate their contracts if their demands are not met. However, with Min having resigned from her position, a return to leadership seems unlikely. It is believed that NewJeans would not have made such demands without understanding the implications, suggesting that a new plan may be in the works under Min's guidance.

Despite the potential for a fresh start, there are numerous challenges ahead, including ongoing disputes over exclusive contracts with HYBE, allegations of tampering, and various lawsuits against Min Hee-jin. The focus now shifts to whether Min, who has embraced the title of 'NewJeans Mom,' and the members of NewJeans, who have stood by her, will reunite in the future.