The conflict between NJZ (formerly known as NewJeans) and their parent companies, ADOR and HYBE, has taken a surprising turn. The absence of Min Hee Jin, once the driving force behind the group’s success, has raised many questions. Her silence following her dismissal as ADOR’s CEO has left fans and industry experts speculating about her role in the ongoing dispute.
Reports suggest that despite her public silence, Min Hee Jin remains active behind the scenes. She allegedly maintained contact with a NewJeans member who testified at a National Assembly hearing in South Korea and had private discussions with key business figures. This has led to speculation about her level of influence and whether her absence is as complete as it seems.
Initially, NewJeans’ efforts to break away from HYBE appeared unlikely, as they still had four years left on their contract without any clear grounds for termination, such as unfair terms, revenue issues, or allegations of abuse. As expected, the court ruled on March 21 to uphold ADOR’s management rights over the group. This decision likely aligned with Min Hee Jin and her legal team’s expectations, steering them toward independent group activities rather than attempting to nullify the contract.
The situation gained public attention after NewJeans’ emergency live broadcast in September 2024, where members called for Min Hee Jin’s reinstatement and hinted at disbandment. However, the conflict had deeper roots — a prolonged power struggle between HYBE and Min Hee Jin, with the group’s attempted exit being part of a broader strategy. Evidence shows that Min Hee Jin had been preparing for this conflict even before it became public.
Following the broadcast, the narrative shifted from a battle between Min Hee Jin and HYBE to one between NewJeans and ADOR. After her termination as CEO, Min Hee Jin’s involvement publicly ceased, likely to avoid legal repercussions for meddling with contracted artists. This left NewJeans to advocate for their artistic independence.
Adding to the complexity, Ten Asia reported that Min Hee Jin was found guilty of workplace harassment after a labor ministry investigation. As a result, she was fined, though the exact amount remains undisclosed. Under South Korean labor laws, the maximum penalty for such offenses is 5 million KRW (around 3,410 USD).
