Source Music Denies Min Hee-jin’s Statement on NewJeans Casting: “Inconsistent Actions”

Ongoing Legal Dispute: Source Music vs. Min Hee-jin

On November 7, 2024, the Civil Division 12 of the Seoul Western District Court convened for the fourth hearing regarding the ₩500 million lawsuit instituted by Source Music against former executive Min Hee-jin. The legal battle, which commenced in July 2024, revolves around allegations of defamation and business interference by Min.

Details of the Hearing

During the recent court session, Source Music contested Min’s past declarations, notably her assertion during a press event that she was solely responsible for casting the now-famous girl group NewJeans and that HYBE failed to deliver on its promise to debut them first. To support their claim, Source Music produced video evidence showcasing trainee contracts intended to disprove Min’s statements.

Source Music’s Argument

Source Music contends that they, rather than Min, were responsible for selecting the members of NewJeans. They clarified that:

Minji was recruited directly by Source Music.
Haerin was discovered through street casting in Anyang, which her mother described as an impressive opportunity.
Danielle transitioned from her previous agency with support from a staff member.

Furthermore, Source argued that Min’s international influence was insufficient to attribute credit for Hanni’s recruitment, as well as stating that the trainees did not join the agency under the impression that they would be the inaugural girl group for HYBE.

Counterclaims by Source Music

To refute Min’s claim that she was wronged by HYBE for debuting LE SSERAFIM ahead of NewJeans, Source referenced her own communications. In one of her Slack messages from July 2021 to then-CEO Park Ji-won, she stated, “I don’t care when LE SSERAFIM debuts. Just move NewJeans to the M (Min Hee-jin) Label and debut them as the first M team.” Additionally, in an August 2021 conversation with a shaman, Min expressed her desire for NewJeans to debut after LE SSERAFIM.

Allegations of Defamation and Impact

Source Music also addressed derogatory remarks made by Min, who referred to them as “thugs who sell trainees.” They emphasized that constructing idols from the ground up is a delicate process that relies heavily on trust and reputation. They contended that Min’s disparaging remarks have severely harmed their personnel and artists.

Moreover, Source pointed out the contradiction in Min’s stance; while she claims the term ‘thug’ lacks defamatory intent, she has pursued legal action against online users labeling her similarly. They have requested the court to award damages proportionate to the alleged damage incurred.

Evidence and Court Rulings

In May, Source submitted a 20-minute presentation featuring Min’s own messages as evidence. Although Min’s legal team argued that the evidence was obtained unlawfully, the court ruled in August that it could still be accepted, given the context of internal communications.

Previously, in a related case, the court validated Min’s internal whistleblowing via KakaoTalk messages and ruled in favor of ADOR regarding an exclusive contract with NewJeans.

Conclusion

Min has persistently claimed publicly that she was instrumental in casting NewJeans, that HYBE has failed to uphold their agreements, and that Source Music has not provided adequate support to the NewJeans members. Source Music has categorically refuted these assertions, arguing that Min’s statements have propagated damaging rumors that paint LE SSERAFIM as a “favored group, ”leading to hostility and negative attention directed at them.

As a consequence of these claims, Source Music is pursuing ₩500 million in damages for defamation, business obstruction, and insult, compounded by a separate ₩2 billion lawsuit brought against Min Hee-jin by Belift Lab, another associated label under HYBE.

Sources: Daum

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