Min Hee Jin Addresses HYBE’s Audit Allegations

Despite HYBE’s allegations about the audit process, ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin has released a statement refuting claims of being unresponsive. This statement comes at a time of increasing tensions between the two parties.

HYBE, the parent company of ADOR, launched an investigation into Min Hee Jin, by sending an official questionnaire to her and ADOR’s deputy CEOs. The investigation also included a demand for company records and Min Hee Jin’s laptop, with a deadline of April 23 at 6pm.

Response to Audit Completion Within Deadline

On April 24, 2024, Min Hee Jin released a statement clarifying that she had submitted the questionnaire to HYBE within the designated time period and completed it. This contradicts HYBE’s claim that she was unresponsive during the audit.

Legal Constraints: Non-Disclosure of Audit Details

Min Hee Jin stressed the importance of keeping audit documents confidential and explained that she is unable to disclose the contents of the questionnaire to the public due to legal limitations.

The fact that HYBE included a clause threatening legal action for disclosing information externally further emphasizes the sensitivity of the audit process.

Min Hee Jin’s Counterclaims Against Accusations of Usurping Power

Amid reports of Min Hee Jin’s alleged attempts to gain management control from HYBE, she strongly refuted these accusations.

Despite this, she emphasized the actions she took to address internal matters, specifically filing a complaint against Belift Lab for their alleged plagiarism of NewJeans. She denied any accusations of taking control and remained dedicated to resolving operational issues.

In response to HYBE’s request for her resignation, ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin provided her perspective on the dispute in an interview with Korean media outlet Hankyung.

According to her, the conflict arises from allegations that ILLIT, a group under HYBE’s BELIFT Lab, has imitated the identity and success strategy of NewJeans, a group from ADOR.

Despite addressing the issue with HYBE and attempting to resolve it, she accuses the company of imitating NewJeans’ style instead of coming up with something original. However, her requests were reportedly ignored. Meanwhile, NewJeans is preparing for their comeback and Japanese debut.