movieADOR’s former CEO, who once called herself the “mother of NewJeans,” is facing increasing scrutiny as evidence emerges that contradicts her statements about defending the group’s independence. Although he publicly emphasized members’ autonomy, growing allegations suggest he may have had deeper involvement in crucial decisions, raising questions about his role as a true guardian.
At the third hearing on November 27 at the Seoul Central District Court, Min stated that he had never ordered member Hanni to appear at the National Assembly audit, stressing: “Girls don’t just follow orders. They’re not silly.” She even described the charges against her as “degrading.” However, these claims are now being challenged by detailed timelines and interactions.
According to a report from Dispatch, Hanni met with Min and his lawyer (an attorney from Sejong Law Firm) for over four hours on October 8, 2024, just a day before she declared on a fan platform: “I have decided. I will participate in the audit alone.” The photos reportedly show Min comforting Hanni while holding a yellow envelope labeled for attendance. The close timing between the meeting and Hanni’s decision has led many to question whether his appearance was truly motivated.
During the trial, Min dismissed such suspicions, saying: “How would a reporter know if we are meeting or just hanging out?” However, the nature of a lengthy discussion, just days before a nationwide appearance, undermines the idea of a casual interaction.
Adding to the controversy is the “ignore her” comments scandal of September 2024. Hanni had said during a YouTube live that a YOU the manager told someone to “ignore her”. However, a court ruling in October concluded that the comment likely never occurred. Instead, text messages revealed that it was Min who first used the phrase “ignore her” in a KakaoTalk conversation with Hanni. The court ruled that Min had taken Hanni’s vague memory and reframed it, pushing the narrative of Hanni being mistreated by YOU‘steam.
Furthermore, CCTV footage was shown YOU the members bow to Hanni first, contradicting the narrative that Hanni had been ignored. This strengthened the court’s view that Min had played a major role in turning the incident into a “victim” scenario, without substantial evidence.
All these findings suggest a discrepancy between Min’s repeated claims that New Jeans members are highly autonomous and its effective involvement. While the group may indeed possess strong individual identities, it is becoming apparent that Min may have been deeply involved in guiding their perspectives, especially during moments with potential legal or political ramifications.
After Min’s dismissal in September 2024, the New Jeans the members went live and expressed complaints about their treatment by HYBE, calling for the return of “CEO Min Hee-jin and the original ADOR”. They stressed that their actions were not orchestrated by the Min. However, given recent revelations, doubts persist as to whether such statements were entirely independent.
In the same trial, HYBE questioned Min’s logic, asking: “If you call yourself the ‘mother of.’ New Jeans‘, wouldn’t a real mother protect her children by saying that they were unaware and were just following orders?
The legal battle continues. HYBE terminated the shareholder agreement with Min in July 2024, citing his attempt to privatize ADOR and cause harm to HYBE and its labels. Min was fired from her CEO position in August 2024 and officially resigned as an inside director in November 2024, informing HYBE of her intention to exercise her put option.
This put option, a clause in the shareholders’ agreement, entitles Min to sell his shares back to HYBE at a price calculated by multiplying ADOR’s average operating profit over the last two years by 13, and then applying his 75% share. This amounts to approximately KRW 26 billion (approximately $20 million). HYBE argues that this option is void since the agreement was already terminated in July 2024, while Min argues that there was no breach on its part and, therefore, the termination is invalid.
As the legal conflict develops, the audience continues to question Min’s behind-the-scenes role and the true scope of the conflict. New Jeans‘independence.
Sources: Daum
