ADOR Responds to NewJeans' Deadline...
Min Hee-jin Reappointed as Director, CEO Return 'Not an Option'

‍

On September 25, ADOR released an official statement in response to the deadline set by NewJeans.

ADOR addressed the group members' demand for former CEO Min Hee-jin’s return.

During a board meeting that day, ADOR decided to convene an extraordinary shareholders' meeting to reappoint Min Hee-jin as an internal director.

This follows ADOR's proposal on September 11, asking her to oversee NewJeans' production for the next five years, covering the entire remaining period of the group's contract.

However, ADOR’s board rejected Min Hee-jin's request to return as CEO, deeming it untenable at the moment.

Instead, they guaranteed her role, tenure, and authority as the production director of NewJeans, with plans to further negotiate specific terms.

ADOR has communicated the board’s decisions and addressed various questions to the NewJeans members via a detailed email.

This situation began on August 27, when ADOR removed Min Hee-jin as CEO and appointed Kim Joo-young as the new internal director and CEO.

Min opposed this decision,

calling it an "unilateral dismissal," while NewJeans consistently expressed support for her.

On September 11, NewJeans launched their own YouTube channel, 'nwjns,' and held a live broadcast where they exposed the agency’s unfair treatment and shared their emotional struggles.

They demanded the reinstatement of Min Hee-jin as both CEO and producer, requesting a decision by September 25.

In response, HYBE stated they would "handle the situation by the book," while Min Hee-jin’s camp hinted at legal action to reclaim her position.

Despite the ongoing conflict, NewJeans continued their activities for fans, releasing a 2024 Chuseok greeting video during the holiday period, maintaining communication with their audience.

HYBE is also preparing for legal proceedings, having enlisted Hong Seung-myeon, a former chief judge from the Seoul High Court, in anticipation of a lawsuit with Min Hee-jin.

Amid this turmoil, it is the NewJeans members who are most affected.

Industry insiders and fans alike hope that the conflict will be resolved soon so the group can focus on their core activities.

This situation has sparked significant discussion within the K-pop industry about the relationship between artists and agencies, as well as the impact of leadership changes on a group’s activities.

The evolving dynamics between ADOR, Min Hee-jin, and NewJeans, and the subsequent direction of the group, will continue to draw attention within the industry.