Conflict Escalates Between NewJeans' Agency CEO Min Hee-jin and Employee Claiming Sexual Harassment
The internal conflict within ADOR, the agency of popular girl group NewJeans, is deepening. The ongoing dispute between CEO Min Hee-jin and former employee B is becoming increasingly complicated.
This controversy began on July 25th when a media outlet revealed messenger conversations between CEO Min Hee-jin, ADOR’s Deputy CEO A, and B. The disclosed messages contained derogatory remarks about B and harsh language from Min, causing a significant uproar.
In response, on July 30th, Min Hee-jin took to her social media to fully disclose the related conversations, vehemently denying any allegations of a sexual harassment cover-up.
She stated,
"I find it suspicious that an issue, already concluded by HYBE’s investigation, is being revisited with a distorted perspective," adding, "I want to correct the facts as those involved are suffering secondary harm." Min further mentioned, "This matter was not investigated by ADOR but concluded by HYBE, yet it's being resurfaced at an odd time, and I believe there may be ulterior motives."
However, the situation did not end there.
On the 8th of this month, B reopened the controversy by creating a new social media account to express their stance.
B alleged, "Min Hee-jin referred to me with derogatory terms like 'crazy b****' and 'mental case'," and expressed strong anger over the unauthorized disclosure of personal information.
B also claimed, "I heard that Min refused to issue a severe warning to A," and added, "I recently discovered that from the day I reported the incident, Min was actively defending A and criticizing me."
As the controversy grew, B provided a more detailed statement in an exclusive interview with JTBC on the 13th.
B asserted, "There was harassment almost every day," and claimed, "Although HYBE conducted an investigation, Min Hee-jin continued to exert influence." B emphasized, "The core issue is that the harassment was handled in a highly biased manner, and secondary harm occurred during that process."
In response, Min Hee-jin also posted an 18-page rebuttal on social media on the same day.
She discussed B’s salary (130 million KRW) and work performance, arguing that "many of B’s claims are far from the truth." Regarding the "late-night message bombardment" controversy, Min explained,
"I have a habit of sending multiple short messages," adding, "I found B’s response unusual and was puzzled by the reference to HYBE’s email content."
Min Hee-jin questioned, "How can B's claims be so off-base? I don't understand what B means by a supposed attempt to nullify the investigation." She also called B's assertion of a "power grab" ridiculous.
In her final remarks, Min issued a strong warning, saying,
"Those who are trying to ruin my image by fabricating non-existent issues, manipulating others, and provoking public anger through clever timing should stop their inhumane actions immediately."
As both sides present conflicting claims, uncovering the truth behind this incident and resolving ADOR's internal conflict have become urgent issues.
Given that NewJeans is a rising star in the K-pop industry, concerns are growing about how this controversy might affect the group's activities and image.
Furthermore, there are suspicions that this issue may be linked to power dynamics within the industry, rather than being a simple workplace dispute. As both sides are expected to release further statements, there are calls for an objective third-party investigation, highlighting the potential impact this case could have on working conditions and culture in the K-pop industry.
