Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin did not seek to take NewJeans away from the agency but instead hoped to return to ADOR, according to claims made by her legal representatives.
On January 28, attorney Kim Sun Woong of law firm Jiam, who represents Min Hee Jin, spoke at an emergency press conference held in Jongno, Seoul. He stated, “From former CEO Min Hee Jin’s perspective, it was not about ‘having to leave ADOR’ or ‘taking NewJeans out.’ Rather, she wanted to continue her role within ADOR while preserving the function of an independent label.”
As evidence, Min Hee Jin’s side disclosed Telegram messages exchanged between her and an individual identified as A, who is said to be the uncle of a NewJeans member. Attorney Kim explained, “At the time, her top priority was returning to ADOR. She could not simply dismiss what the member’s parents said about the uncle having connections and influence. She thought it might not be a bad option, so she received his contact information.” He added, “After August 27, when former CEO Min was dismissed from her position as CEO, it became difficult for NewJeans to continue activities, so she could not help but consider these issues.”
In the released Telegram messages, Min Hee Jin is seen saying, “I want ADOR to be normalized, which is why Bang Si Hyuk persuaded me like that. This is not me changing my words now,” “If you just leave ADOR as it is, I can give you the put option and everything, so just leave it alone. PR, legal, HR, all of it can be handled within ADOR,” and “I don’t need more money. Just leave this as it is.” These messages were presented as indications that she prioritized stabilizing ADOR over financial gain.
Kim further claimed, “The member’s uncle sent former CEO Min text messages he had exchanged with HYBE’s Shin Young Jae. He asked to be entrusted with negotiations with HYBE, and she believed him. Former CEO Min thought it was important to have a channel of communication, so she discussed these matters with the member’s uncle.” He continued, “She asked that her opinion on reaching an agreement for ADOR’s normalization be conveyed to Shin Young Jae. She never considered taking NewJeans out. She was saying that she would somehow return, lead NewJeans, and ensure they could continue their activities properly.”
Min Hee Jin’s side maintains that her intention was to restore ADOR’s stability and structure rather than separate NewJeans from the label.
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