NewJeans’ Hiatus Sparks Controversy, Min Hee-jin Under Pressure

In a surprising turn of events, NewJeans announced a suspension of their activities, leading to widespread speculation among netizens about the role of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin in the group’s current challenges. The announcement came during their performance at ComplexCon in Hong Kong on March 23, where the members hinted this could be their last show for a while, stating, “This wasn’t an easy decision, but one we had to make. We will comply with the court’s ruling and stop all activities.”

This decision follows a recent ruling from the Seoul Central District Court, which issued an injunction on behalf of ADOR. This ruling prohibits NewJeans from independently negotiating advertising contracts or promoting their brand without the label’s involvement. As a result, the group has been forced to halt all activities until a final judgment is made.

What caught the attention of fans was NewJeans’ independent actions. Even as they publicly acknowledged the court’s decision, the group submitted an objection on March 21, avoided ADOR staff in Hong Kong, and even marketed “NJZ” branded merchandise backstage under a different name. ADOR later expressed regret over the situation, conveying hope to speak with the artists soon about future collaborations.

Public Outcry Against Min Hee-jin

As the legal battles between ADOR and HYBE continue, public opinion has shifted dramatically against Min Hee-jin. Online discussions feature a plethora of critical comments, including:

“She dragged the members into her fight with HYBE, and now where is she?”
“It feels like she’s using NewJeans as a shield.”
“No one drags their family into a war.”
“From the beginning, calling herself their ‘mother’ and creating an excessive sense of shared destiny was the problem.”
“NewJeans needs to decide, do they want to stay with their fans or with Min Hee-jin?”

Just months ago, Min Hee-jin was lauded for her heartfelt press conferences and her role in shaping the distinct identity of NewJeans. However, following the injunction ruling, an interview with TIME magazine generated further controversy when they expressed disappointment over the court’s decision, suggesting, “We are disappointed by the court’s decision. This might be the reality of Korea. It feels like Korea wants to turn us into revolutionaries.” Such comments, interpreted as anti-Korean sentiments, have incited backlash from both fans and pundits.

Furthermore, many critics argue that Min Hee-jin’s allegations against HYBE lack substantial evidence, as fans and legal analysts dissect the narratives and claims surrounding the situation. Once celebrated as a trailblazer in the K-Pop industry, Min Hee-jin’s influence seems to be waning, leaving NewJeans to navigate their identity as “revolutionaries” in a challenging landscape.

If she were to publicly re-emerge now, it would likely be viewed as an admission of her role in distancing the members from ADOR, further complicating her position amidst ongoing “tampering” accusations.

“Still Six Members in Spirit”

During the injunction hearing on March 7, the group affirmed their solidarity with Min Hee-jin, proclaiming, “Although there are five of us on stage, our team consists of six members. We were afraid of losing our CEO, especially when baseless attacks and false reports flooded the media. We want to continue working with her in the future.”

Their statements reflect the strong bond they share with Min Hee-jin, seeing her not just as a leader but as a core part of their group identity. Yet, despite this bond, the future of NewJeans remains uncertain as they navigate these turbulent times.

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