HYBE Investigates NewJeans Producer Min Hee-jin’s Alleged Sexual Harassment Cover-Up Claims

As reported by Billboard on September 28, 2024, HYBE has reopened the investigation into allegations of workplace and sexual harassment involving a former employee of ADOR, which is significant given that Min Hee-jin was the CEO of ADOR at the time of the alleged incidents.

On September 24, HYBE confirmed to Billboard that ADOR initiated an inquiry to determine whether Min Hee-jin unlawfully influenced the company’s preliminary investigation regarding a sexual harassment complaint. As the parent organization of ADOR, HYBE also indicated they would investigate whether Min breached any confidentiality agreements associated with the case reported by the victim.

For context, in April 2024, allegations emerged that an ADOR Vice President had harassed a female employee. The employee reported the matter to Min Hee-jin, who allegedly dismissed the claims as a misunderstanding.

The Korea Times highlighted that Min Hee-jin had shared several KakaoTalk messages which included the former employee’s texts, violating her privacy. This action prompted significant outrage from the victim, who expressed frustration over the misrepresentation of facts and the unauthorized release of her communications.

Min Hee-jin Faces Allegations of Intimidation Regarding a Sexual Harassment Victim

HYBE’s sub-label ADOR, known for housing NewJeans, has reopened the case under the new leadership of CEO Kim Joo-young. Min Hee-jin reportedly opposes the internal investigation. According to sources cited by Billboard, the renewed inquiry investigates claims that Min sought to cover up the harassment incident and intimidate the victim.

An internal report shared with Billboard revealed that in February 2024, an ADOR Vice President allegedly pressured a female colleague to attend a dinner with a client. This VP, who was later dismissed for plotting against HYBE, suggested that having a young woman present would be advantageous. Following this, he left the employee alone with the client.

The victim subsequently reported the incident to HYBE, claiming workplace bullying and sexual harassment. However, due to insufficient evidence, the VP was only warned before his termination. Allegedly, Min Hee-jin later called for a meeting with both the accused VP and the complainant, suggesting the female employee might not be truthful about her experience.

Billboard reported that Min Hee-jin provided advice to the VP on how to navigate the allegations directed at him. Subsequently, the victim initiated a lawsuit against both Min Hee-jin and the VP for privacy violations and defamation, due to the former CEO’s release of her KakaoTalk conversations. Min Hee-jin has denied any cover-up allegations.

In response to inquiries from Billboard, Min Hee-jin stated that she only made public the chats and salary documents of the former employee, stressing that she did not disclose the individual’s name. She claimed the resignation of the employee was unrelated to sexual harassment or workplace bullying, attributing it instead to a pay decrease linked to performance issues.

Min Hee-jin has called for a third-party investigation into the matter, criticizing current ADOR CEO Kim Joo-young for making decisions during the initial investigation. She stated,

“I have communicated to HYBE that if they intend to conduct an investigation or reinvestigation, it needs to be formal and not involve individuals previously connected to the case. They could engage an independent third party for the investigation instead of proceeding with another internal probe led by the same person who made prior decisions.”

HYBE has affirmed to Billboard that the case has been reopened and is being reviewed by an independent committee.

Currently, Min Hee-jin has filed for an injunction to convene an emergency shareholders’ meeting with the aim of reclaiming her position as ADOR’s CEO. This meeting is slated for October 11, 2024.

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