Min Hee-jin’s Challenging 7 Months: Why HYBE Struggled Even After Her Resignation

Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of ADOR, has officially stepped down from her position as a board director at HYBE, announcing plans to initiate legal proceedings against the company while also terminating her shareholder agreement. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict that began in April when HYBE commenced an audit of ADOR, the label behind the globally acclaimed girl group NewJeans. Describing the last seven months as “hellish,” Min Hee-jin has issued a statement detailing her ordeal.

What were the circumstances of her experience?

The contentious relationship between Min Hee-jin and HYBE was ignited on April 22 when HYBE launched an internal audit of ADOR. This action stemmed from allegations of “management rights usurpation”against Min Hee-jin and her team. Specifically, HYBE accused her of facilitating the sale of ADOR shares, leaking confidential documents, and engaging in inappropriate requests for personnel favors.

In response, Min Hee-jin’s representatives claimed that the audit was merely a retaliatory strike following her public accusations that HYBE’s rookie group, ILLIT, had copied the artistic concepts that define NewJeans. Furthermore, she rejected allegations of power usurpation, asserting that the evidence presented by HYBE was insufficient and merely consisted of her personal notes and creative ideas.

Despite her opposition, HYBE proceeded to hold an emergency shareholder meeting in May, resulting in the addition of new executives to ADOR’s board, including Ju Young Kim, the former Chief Human Resources Officer. By August 27, Min Hee-jin had been removed from her CEO position, with Kim assuming leadership in her stead.

NewJeans Show Support for Min Hee-jin

Amid growing pressure on Min Hee-jin, NewJeans took a bold step in her defense. The group filed a court petition in support of Min, and in September, they released an unexpected YouTube video calling for her reinstatement as CEO of ADOR.

NewJeans at the 11th Edaily Culture Awards

On November 13, NewJeans escalated the situation by sending HYBE a legal notice requesting the reversion of ADOR to its state prior to March 2024, a time when they described their work environment as “happy and joyful.”They also expressed concern over internal HYBE communications suggesting a strategy of “abandoning NewJeans and starting fresh,” demanding accountability and warning that they would consider contract termination if their requests were ignored.

Details of Min Hee-jin’s Resignation

Just one week later, on November 20, Min Hee-jin officially announced her resignation from HYBE’s board, stating her intention to confront the company outside of the boardroom. In a powerful declaration, she accused HYBE of conducting “illegal audits”and disseminating false information while employing manipulative media strategies.

She remarked, “HYBE’s unethical behavior will be remembered in K-pop history,”characterizing her experience as “a hellish battle against groundless aggression from a corporate giant.”Min also criticized HYBE’s ethical standards, expressing her belief that the public is beginning to see through the company’s deceptive actions.

What Lies Ahead?

Although Min Hee-jin’s resignation might seem like an advantage for HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, the ramifications of this conflict are far from settled. Min has vowed to pursue legal action, indicating that the dispute is entering a more complex phase. Industry observers anticipate a lengthy legal battle, which could have profound effects on the future of NewJeans and the broader K-pop landscape.

The outcome of this situation is being closely monitored, as it may fundamentally alter perceptions of corporate authority and artist rights within the K-pop business model.

Source: Daum