It seems that Min Hee Jin is eager to continue as CEO of ADOR. Now, MOVES responded to his injunctive request for reinstatement to his previous position.
HYBE Responds to Min Hee Jin’s Injunction Request
On September 13, HYBE released an official statement in response to legal filing of an injunction by former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, seeking reappointment as both CEO and internal director of the companyThis move follows her dismissal from the CEO role, a decision made by ADOR’s board of directors on August 27. Min Hee Jin’s presentation escalated the situation, drawing attention to the underlying legal and management disputes between HYBE, ADOR and Min Hee Jin.
MOVES clarified its position by explaining that the shareholder agreement between HYBE and Min Hee Jin, which initially governed her role as CEO, had already been terminated. The agency stressed that, “Once the contract is terminated, its legal effect is null and void.” HYBE also disclosed that a lawsuit had already been filed to confirm the termination of this shareholder agreement and I am currently awaiting the court’s decision on the matter.
In addition to the legal clarification, HYBE stated that Min Hee Jin’s dismissal from the CEO role was the result of a decision made independently by ADOR’s board of directors. The agency stressed that the decision has no connection with HYBE or the previously terminated shareholder agreement. The agency noted that ADOR’s board of directors acted solely on the basis of business management considerations, without being influenced by external factors.
HYBE expressed disappointment with Min Hee Jin’s recent actions, stating: “We regret that Min Hee Jin, who has long emphasized the importance of ADOR’s independent management as a separate entity, does not respect the decision of ADOR’s board of directors.” This statement reflects HYBE’s position that Min Hee Jin, who had previously supported ADOR’s autonomy and distinct identity, now opposes the highly independent decision-making processes he once advocated.
NewJeans Fights for Min Hee Jin
Earlier that same day, Min Hee Jin’s legal team filed an injunction challenging her dismissal. Her team argues that the shareholder agreement, which granted her a five-year term as CEO and inside director, is still legally valid and was not lawfully terminated. They claim that the firing violated this agreement and are seeking legal action to have Min Hee Jin reinstated in both roles.
The controversy surrounding Min Hee Jin’s departure intensified when ADOR first announced on August 27 that she would no longer serve as CEO. However, it was noted at the time that Min Hee Jin would continue her involvement with NewJeans by producing its content as an in-house director at ADOR. Despite this, the change in leadership has caused tension, particularly among fans and members of the NewJeans.
In a surprising turn of events, the five members of NewJeans held a YouTube live broadcast on September 11, where they expressed their dissatisfaction with Min Hee Jin’s removal from the CEO role. The group strongly requested that she be reinstated by September 25, emphasizing her importance to their artistic and professional development.
As the legal battle continues, all eyes are on how the court will rule on the shareholder agreement and whether Min Hee Jin will regain her former leadership role within ADOR. The situation not only has legal implications, but could also impact the creative direction of NewJeans and the future of ADOR’s independent management.
