In the midst of the escalating conflict between HYBE and ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, the members of K-pop group NewJeans have spoken out publicly for the first time, expressing their frustrations and anxieties over the ongoing drama. The situation has been a turbulent one for the group, whose activities and well-being have been impacted by the corporate dispute.
The tension, which began in April 2024, has seen HYBE accusing Min Hee Jin of attempting to seize management control of ADOR, leading to a lawsuit for breach of duty. Min Hee Jin has denied these allegations, labeling them as ‘groundless.’ The controversy intensified with claims that Min tried to cover up a sexual harassment incident, resulting in her removal from the CEO position. She was replaced by Kim Ju Young, though Min continued as an internal director and producer for NewJeans, a role she has since contested.
The conflict has also seen director Shin Woo Seok stepping down, citing disagreements over the removal of NewJeans-related content, a move ADOR clarified as targeting unauthorized material.
On September 2, 2024, Minji, a member of NewJeans, took to the fan communication platform Phoning to address the situation directly. “It’s been almost a week since I wanted to share with you all the things that have been happening, but I couldn’t,” Minji said. “I wanted to tell the many Bunnies who came to check on us and comfort us that we’re okay and offer comfort in return, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it this time.”
Minji expressed deep frustration over the unnecessary difficulties the group has faced, stating, “I feel so sorry that we’re going through unnecessary hardships when we could be spending our time sharing only good stories. I feel so frustrated that I can’t resolve anything. I don’t know how long these anxious days will last, and I know it might be selfish to say this, but I really hope that our Bunnies and we won’t have to go through tough times anymore.”
Danielle, another member of NewJeans, also opened up about the emotional toll of the ongoing dispute. “Honestly, since CEO Min Hee Jin was dismissed, it has been very tough, and I’ve had a lot on my mind. I was in a bit of a state of shock for a while and felt very anxious.”
Hanni, who has been particularly vocal, shared a song she created as an emotional outlet during this period. “I started creating this song back in April or May of this year,” Hanni explained. “At the time, the Bunnies, the members, the CEO, and I were all struggling, and I wanted to comfort everyone and heal their wounds. A few weeks ago, I sent it to the CEO from afar as a way of offering comfort,” she told All Kpop.
The conflict has undoubtedly cast a shadow over NewJeans’ activities and their fan interactions. As the dispute between HYBE and Min Hee Jin continues to unfold, the members of NewJeans have been left to navigate a challenging situation that has affected both their professional and personal lives.
As the situation develops, fans and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see how it impacts the group’s future and the resolution of the ongoing corporate battle.
