Min Hee-jin Resigns from HYBE, Leaving NewJeans' Future Uncertain

Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of ADOR, has announced her departure from HYBE, raising questions about the future of NewJeans, the girl group she has fiercely defended. On November 20, Min released a lengthy statement declaring her resignation from her position as an internal director at ADOR and the termination of her shareholder agreement with HYBE.

In her statement, Min did not hold back her frustration towards HYBE, expressing her hope that the company would acknowledge its mistakes. She revealed that her efforts to protect NewJeans stemmed from her discontent with the internal environment at HYBE, which led her to send whistleblower emails in April. Min accused HYBE of fabricating false information to conduct illegal audits and of framing her, a minority shareholder and CEO, as attempting a 'hostile takeover.' She also criticized the company for its contradictory actions, such as engaging in frivolous lawsuits and unfair media tactics while presenting her with a contract filled with toxic clauses for her producing duties.

Min stated, "I have fought with all my mental, economic, and physical strength to revive ADOR, which has been damaged by HYBE's serious breach of the shareholder agreement," and indicated that she would pursue legal action. She expressed gratitude to the fans of NewJeans for their support and emphasized, "The actions of one person driven by malice should not tarnish the essence of the business. It was truly wrong."

As Min Hee-jin steps away from ADOR and HYBE, attention turns to NewJeans. Following Min's dismissal from her CEO position in August, the group held a live broadcast to demand her reinstatement, showing unwavering support. On November 13, they sent a formal notice to ADOR, stating that if the issues raised were not addressed, they would terminate their contracts. During the Korea Grand Music Awards on November 16, members Danielle and Hani hinted at their readiness to leave HYBE, stating, "I don’t know how long we will be NewJeans, but nothing can interfere between the five of us and our Bunnies. Even if we are not NewJeans, NewJeans will not die."