Min Hee-jin will hold a special lecture in Gwangju to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the May 18th Democratization Movement.
According to an announcement from the 5·18 Research Institute of Chonnam National University, the conference will take place on May 12 at the university’s Yongji Hall Conference Center.
The event will be held under the theme “Imagining K-Culture and K-Pop in Gwangju, Chonnam National University!” and aims to explore the global cultural influence of Korean entertainment by connecting it to the democratic values symbolized by the May 18th movement.
Organizers said the conference will examine how Korean pop culture and K-pop reflect broader themes of democracy, human rights and peace. Discussions are also expected to focus on whether Gwangju can evolve beyond its historical identity into a new center of cultural imagination and creativity.
Min Byung Ro, director of the 5·18 Research Institute, said the event was organized to reinterpret Gwangju’s democratic spirit through modern K culture, while forging stronger cultural bonds with younger generations.
Before founding ADOR under HYBE, Min Hee Jin was widely recognized as one of the most influential creative directors in K-pop during her time at SM Entertainment. He has participated in the development of concepts and visual identities for groups including SHINee, f(x), EXO and Red Velvet.
Min later gained even greater international attention after launching NewJeans through ADOR, helping redefine trends within fourth generation K-pop through minimalist music production, nostalgic branding, and unconventional marketing strategies.
Following her highly publicized dispute with HYBE earlier this year, Min Hee Jin recently founded her new entertainment company, OK Records, signaling the start of her independent activities in the industry.
His upcoming lecture in Gwangju is already attracting significant public attention, especially as it marks one of his most notable official public appearances after months of intense media coverage over his conflict with HYBE and ADOR.
Sources: Daum | Herald Economy
