Min Hee-jin Supports Hanni While Voicing Concerns About NewJeans’ Future Role as a Guardian

On October 15, 2024, Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of ADOR and the creative force behind NewJeans, participated in an exclusive interview with Japan’s Hodo Station news program. During this discussion, she addressed queries related to NewJeans member Hanni’s recent participation at the Environment and Labour Committee hearing of the National Assembly. Min Hee-jin remarked:

“With Hanni’s mother currently not in Seoul, it seems only natural for me to step in and support her during this time. Someone needs to offer that support.”

Min Hee-jin, often affectionately called ‘NewJeans’ Mom’, stepped down from her role as CEO of ADOR in August 2024. This interview coincided with Hanni’s testimony at the National Assembly, where she spoke about issues of workplace harassment and bullying within HYBE.

Min Hee-jin shares concerns about NewJeans’ prospects

In her conversation with Japan’s ANN news program, ‘Press Station’, Min Hee-jin discussed her existing ties with HYBE and the potential direction of NewJeans. She revealed her apprehensions regarding the group’s future, mentioning that plans for a full album release and a world tour in 2025 were in progress before unforeseen circumstances arose.

“I can’t predict the future of NewJeans. I’m leaving it to fate. (…) A full album was something I envisioned for early next year, along with a world tour. But who could have foreseen these developments?”

Concerning her current position at HYBE, she clarified that she hasn’t signed a contract as a producer or CEO and currently holds the title of an internal director. Yet, she continues to execute her previously laid out plans, expressing her wish for a swift resolution to the ongoing situation with HYBE.

On the topic of her dismissal from ADOR and the management issues with HYBE, she found it ironic to be accused of a breach of trust while engaged as a producer. She underscored that her decision to join HYBE stemmed from a desire to innovate within K-pop, mentioning that she would not have accepted the role without the assurance of creative freedom.

“HYBE approached me with a vision; I chose them from multiple offers. If these assurances hadn’t been in place, I wouldn’t have joined.”

Wrapping up her interview, Min Hee-jin emphasized the significance of the current conflict with HYBE for all parties involved, including herself. She expressed hope for a prompt resolution and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing NewJeans’ ambitions.

This interview marked Min Hee-jin’s first public appearance as a broadcaster since her dismissal from the head role at ADOR. She has initiated a provisional injunction seeking her reinstatement, asserting that the board’s decision was unfair.

On October 14, 2024, HYBE issued an updated Key Schedule detailing upcoming activities for their K-pop artists. Fans of NewJeans were upset to find that the group appeared to be absent from plans slated for the final quarter of the year, expressing their worries through various platforms.

Hanni’s testimony at the National Assembly has gained significant traction online as she pointedly called out the current CEO of ADOR, Kim Jo-yoong, and HYBE’s CEO, Bang Hyung-sik, over allegations of bullying and workplace harassment.

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