KBS Explains the Deletion of Min Hee-jin Interview Report

On October 18, KBS addressed a viewer petition titled “Please clarify the circumstances surrounding the deletion of the Min Hee-jin interview report” via the viewer petition board on their official website.

This petition, with the same title, was initially submitted to KBS’s petition board on September 19.

In light of the ongoing tensions between former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin and HYBE, NewJeans conducted an emergency live stream on September 11 where they expressed their desire for the return of the original ADOR. They articulated, “What we seek is simply the original ADOR under Min Hee-jin’s leadership, which integrates both management and production. This request aims to foster a collaborative relationship with HYBE without conflict.” The group urged for ADOR’s reinstatement to its previous state by September 25.

On September 13, just two days later, KBS issued an article titled “Min Hee-jin’s party ‘attempted to prevent NewJeans’ announcement’… HYBE expressed regret regarding Min Hee-jin,” but this article was suddenly removed, prompting inquiries about the reason behind this action.

The petition ultimately collected 2,657 signatures, which led to KBS’s formal response.

KBS began by stating, “We aim to clarify and address certain factual inaccuracies or potentially misleading aspects of the petition’s content.” They referenced the mention of a “Min Hee-jin interview report” in the petition’s title, clarifying, “It appears there is a misunderstanding suggesting that ‘KBS interviewed Min Hee-jin.’ This is not accurate; KBS interviewed a representative associated with Min Hee-jin, not Min Hee-jin herself. In light of this, KBS requested corrections from media outlets that incorrectly reported the interview, and they complied by revising their articles.”

Can Min Hee-jin & ADOR Coexist Despite Distrust for NewJeans?

When addressing accusations regarding the abrupt deletion of the article, KBS clarified, “Following the YouTube broadcast, we received conflicting information from another representative of Min Hee-jin which contradicted the original content we reported. After discussions within the editorial team, it was agreed that due to the emerging discrepancies and shifting positions of the parties involved, it was necessary to withdraw the article in accordance with KBS News Division protocols.”

KBS further explained, “In regards to the petitioner’s reference to a post from a community forum related to the article’s deletion, we emphasize that the decision to remove the article was unrelated to that community post.”

Additionally, KBS noted, “Our news division has been chronologically covering this issue, which began in April 2024, as developments occur.”

In conclusion, KBS remarked, “Describing KBS as merely a promotional entity or representative for a particular individual appears to reflect misunderstandings by certain viewers or involved parties. We have approached this matter with impartiality towards all perspectives.” They assured, “KBS remains committed to reporting on this situation and other significant social issues, adhering to principles of objectivity and fairness.”

On April 25, HYBE filed charges against Min Hee-jin, including breaches of trust. Subsequently, on August 27, Kim Joo-young, formerly the Chief Human Resources Officer of HYBE, was appointed the new CEO of ADOR. Min Hee-jin contested her removal from management, labeling it a unilateral dismissal, while HYBE maintained it was a lawful CEO transition.

On September 13, Min Hee-jin sought an injunction from the Seoul Central District Court to call for a temporary shareholders’ meeting of ADOR and to secure her reappointment as an internal director. HYBE effectively dismissed NewJeans’ appeal for Min Hee-jin’s return. Amidst these developments, it was reported on October 17 that Min Hee-jin was reappointed as an internal director.

Source: Daum

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