NewJeans’ Haerin and Danielle Offer Support to Min Hee-jin During HYBE Controversy

Members of NewJeans have shown their support for former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin through messages exchanged on Kakaotalk Messenger. On September 27, Min Hee-jin shared her experience on Instagram Stories, highlighting the encouragement she received from NewJeans members during her ongoing conflict with HYBE.

On August 27, 2024, HYBE’s subsidiary agency ADOR dismissed Min Hee-jin from her position as CEO, appointing Chief Human Resources Officer Kim Joo-young as the new CEO. In response to this decision, NewJeans conducted a surprise live stream on YouTube on September 11, where they expressed their feelings regarding ADOR’s decision and discussed their experiences of feeling mistreated by HYBE.

Significantly, the group demanded that HYBE reinstate Min Hee-jin as CEO of ADOR by September 25, a request that has not yet been fulfilled.

On September 27, Min Hee-jin shared screenshots of supportive messages she received from Danielle and Haerin. The Super Shy singers expressed that they felt inspired by the former CEO after attending her session at the 2024 Hyundai Card Da Vinci Motel, where Min spoke about her legal challenges against HYBE back in May 2024.

Details on NewJeans’ Danielle and Haerin’s Messages to Min Hee-jin

During her speaking engagement on September 27 at the 2024 Hyundai Card Da Vinci Motel in Itaewon, Yongsan, Seoul, Min Hee-jin elaborated on her aspirations to return to her former role as CEO of ADOR.

This appearance was her first public engagement since the second press conference on May 31, where she celebrated a legal victory against HYBE, which had prevented the company from ousting her from her CEO position.

She mentioned receiving encouraging messages on Kakaotalk from NewJeans members. According to Maeil Business Newspaper, Australian-Korean member Danielle expressed her enthusiasm for Min Hee-jin’s session and offered her support.

Danielle stated:

“I’m waiting to watch your live performance. It’s not next to us, but we’re all rooting for you. Cheer up, CEO. Way to go”

Haerin also conveyed her thoughts on the session, indicating that it deepened her understanding of the former CEO and enriched her perspective.

Haerin expressed:

“I think the moment I watched the video, I was filled with something. And I think the CEO will really change something, although she’s already changed something. Anyway, it was such a meaningful time for me too, so I was really happy.”

In addition to these messages, Hanni previously voiced her support for Min Hee-jin by saying:

“CEO, wishing you good luck today. Of course you’ll rip it. NEW JEANS NEVER DIE!”

On August 27, ADOR stated that Min Hee-jin would transition to a directorial role at the agency while continuing to produce music for NewJeans. However, during her speech on September 27, she remarked that separating management from production would render the role meaningless.

According to Korea JoonAng Daily, the legal expenses accrued during the drawn-out battle against HYBE reached approximately 2.3 billion KRW (about 1.8 million USD). Min revealed her willingness to sell her house to cover these costs. Additionally, she showcased a demo version of a song created by music producer FRNK for NewJeans.

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