The tension between HYBE, a prominent entertainment company, and Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of ADOR, has been making waves in the K-pop world, with NewJeans, one of the most popular girl groups under ADOR, caught right in the middle of this corporate clash. The group's members have not shied away from expressing their support for Min, despite the ongoing legal and corporate struggles between her and HYBE. This dramatic standoff has been playing out publicly since April, and it continues to escalate with each new development, putting the spotlight on both the group and the internal dynamics of the Korean entertainment industry.
In the midst of this conflict, NewJeans has demonstrated unwavering loyalty to Min Hee-jin, rallying behind her in ways that have caught fans and industry insiders by surprise. What’s particularly striking is how they have voiced their opinions and frustrations, signaling their deep connection to Min, the person who shaped their career trajectory and image. This isn't just a story about a corporate dispute; it’s a tale of personal loyalty and professional respect—one that the NewJeans members are willing to fight for publicly.
One of the first major public actions by NewJeans came on Friday, May 17, when all five members submitted a heartfelt plea to the court during a hearing concerning Min’s efforts to nullify HYBE’s control over her agency, ADOR. At that time, HYBE held an 80 percent stake in ADOR, and the battle over creative and operational control was heating up. This letter marked the beginning of what would be a series of increasingly bold moves from the group to advocate for Min. This legal move was significant not only because it marked the group's formal entry into the dispute but also because it showed just how invested they were in protecting the person who had been instrumental in their success.
Months later, on Wednesday, July 31, Danielle, one of the group's members, made an even more personal gesture. She penned a handwritten letter to Min, referring to her as her "mother and warrior." This letter, which Min shared on her Instagram, highlighted the deep bond the group shares with Min. “My beloved CEO, it's Dani,” the letter began. “It’s been two years already. Our CEO who really did the most, thank you so, so much.” Danielle’s words carried a weight of personal gratitude, reflecting the emotional connection between the group and Min. It was not just about business; it was about the relationship they had cultivated over time, one that clearly ran deeper than typical industry ties. For fans, this was a touching moment that solidified NewJeans' dedication to Min beyond the professional sphere.
Just a few days later, on Monday, Sept. 2, another member, Minji, broke her silence with a public statement addressing the ongoing conflict. In a candid post on Phoning, an app designed specifically for NewJeans, she expressed frustration at the lack of resolution between ADOR and HYBE. “I was so frustrated with myself for not being able to solve anything,” Minji admitted, adding that the situation was causing unnecessary stress. She shared her apology to fans for the distraction from the group’s music and creativity, highlighting how the dispute was affecting their ability to focus on the positive aspects of their work. This statement gave fans insight into the emotional toll that the corporate conflict was taking on the group, showing that it wasn't just a business problem—it was impacting their day-to-day lives and their artistic output.
Things took an even more public turn when NewJeans appeared at The Fact Music Awards (TMA) on Sunday, Sept. 8, held in Osaka, Japan. As the group accepted the Musinsa Popularity Award, they took the opportunity to openly thank Min. Danielle, standing at the microphone, expressed the group’s love and gratitude for their former CEO, stating, "We truly love and thank CEO Min Hee-jin, who always cherishes and protects us." The emotions didn’t stop there, as Hyein, another member, added, "I want to say it because it might be the last chance. We are really, really grateful to our CEO. We love you so much, CEO." Their words were raw, revealing just how much the members feared losing Min’s guidance and support. This moment stood out as a public declaration of loyalty at a prestigious event, further elevating the drama surrounding the group’s involvement in the ongoing dispute.
The tension came to a head when, just days later, on Wednesday, Sept. 11, NewJeans went live on YouTube in a dramatic livestream that left no room for misinterpretation. During the livestream, Minji, speaking on behalf of the group, issued a public ultimatum to HYBE, demanding that Min Hee-jin be reinstated as ADOR’s CEO by Sept. 25. This was not a request—it was a clear demand for action. “We hope that HYBE makes the wise choice to reinstate Min Hee-jin as the CEO of ADOR,” Minji declared. The group also claimed that HYBE had been mistreating them in “uncomfortable and scary ways that make no sense,” painting a picture of an internal power struggle that had personal ramifications. This marked a significant escalation, as NewJeans not only publicly criticized their parent company but also outlined the terms under which they would be willing to continue their relationship with ADOR.
Adding another layer to the situation, on Monday, Sept. 23, just two days before the deadline, NewJeans members and their parents sat down with the current CEO of ADOR, Kim Ju-young. This meeting, reported by Ilgan Sports, took place at a critical juncture, as the group had made it clear that their future with ADOR depended on Min’s reinstatement. It remains to be seen whether HYBE will meet the demands set forth by NewJeans or if this corporate saga will take an even more complicated turn. What is clear, however, is that the group’s dedication to Min Hee-jin is unwavering, and they are willing to put their careers on the line to support her.
In a world where K-pop idols are often seen as products of their agencies, NewJeans' vocal support for Min Hee-jin is both bold and refreshing. They are not just passive participants in this conflict but active players who are shaping the narrative, standing up for what they believe in, and showing that loyalty and personal connections can transcend business disputes. It’s a dramatic and ongoing story, one that fans will no doubt continue to follow closely. With the Sept. 25 deadline looming, all eyes are on HYBE, ADOR, and NewJeans to see how this conflict will resolve—and what it will mean for the future of one of K-pop's most promising new groups.
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