NewJeans Fans Demand Contract Security for Min Hee-jin...
Send Open Letter to HYBE and ADOR

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Fans of K-pop girl group NewJeans have made headlines by sending an open letter to the management of HYBE and ADOR, demanding the reinstatement of former CEO Min Hee-jin.
This public protest comes in response to recent management changes at ADOR, highlighting the growing influence of fans in the K-pop industry.

On the 4th, 1,445 members of NewJeans’ official fan club, 'Bunnies,' sent a registered open letter to HYBE and ADOR’s executives, calling for the guarantee of Min Hee-jin’s contract.

The fans claim that NewJeans’ remarkable achievements in just two years since their debut are largely due to Min’s exceptional leadership, creative vision, and synergy with the team.

In the letter, fans expressed their discontent, stating,

"It is incomprehensible that HYBE would dismiss Min, who has proven her abilities, at such a critical time when NewJeans is preparing for album production and a world tour."
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They further criticized the appointment of Kim Joo-young as the new CEO, arguing that Kim lacks the experience and track record required for the role. Fans labeled this decision a "breach of duty" against ADOR and NewJeans.

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The open letter outlined key demands from the fans:

• Prioritize the opinions of NewJeans’ members in management decisions
• Guarantee Min Hee-jin’s term until November 2026 as per shareholder agreements
• Take strong legal action against defamation, insults, and privacy violations involving NewJeans members

This move by fans showcases the increasing power of fandoms within the K-pop industry.
Music critics noted that this situation highlights how crucial fan support is to the success of idol groups.

One industry insider commented, "Fans are not just passive supporters anymore—they are actively monitoring and influencing management decisions to ensure the success of their favorite artists."

NewJeans has been a major sensation since their debut in July 2022, releasing hit tracks such as "Attention," "Hype Boy," and "OMG."
The group has also gained international acclaim, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Min Hee-jin is widely credited for playing a pivotal role in the group’s success.

A veteran of the K-pop industry, she previously worked at SM Entertainment, where she produced for top girl groups like Girls' Generation and Red Velvet. Her extensive experience and creative vision have been key to crafting NewJeans’ unique concept and musical style.

However, ADOR announced on July 27 that Kim Joo-young, ADOR's current in-house director, had been appointed as the new CEO.

Fans have voiced concerns over Kim's lack of experience in the entertainment industry and are worried about how this change might impact the group.

Neither HYBE nor ADOR has issued an official statement in response to the fans’ demands.
There is growing industry attention on how the companies will handle the situation, with some questioning whether it is appropriate for fans to intervene in management decisions.

The NewJeans members themselves have not yet commented on the matter.

However, given their close relationship with Min Hee-jin, there is speculation that they may be uncomfortable with the decision.

This incident serves as a reminder that the success of K-pop groups is not only based on their musical talent but also on the leadership of their management and the strong backing of their fans.

All eyes are on HYBE and ADOR to see how they will resolve the situation and what impact it will have on NewJeans’ future activities.