Fans demand reinstatement of Min Hee Jin as ADOR CEO amid concerns for NewJeans' future

NewJeans' fans are rallying behind Min Hee Jin, the former CEO of ADOR, after her sudden removal from the position. Concerned about the potential impact on the girl group, fans have sent a formal letter to HYBE, ADOR's parent company, urging them to reinstate Min Hee Jin as CEO.

South Korean media outlets Maeil Kyungjae and Sports Seoul reported that 1445 fans of NewJeans had collectively sent a letter to HYBE. The letter was addressed to HYBE's new CEO Lee Jae Sang, current ADOR CEO Kim Joo Young, and other key figures within the company. In the letter, fans expressed their concerns regarding the recent management change, emphasising their belief that NewJeans' rapid success was due to the synergy between Min Hee Jin's leadership and the group's production team.

Fans highlighted that Min Hee Jin’s leadership had been instrumental in fostering an environment that supported NewJeans' growth and creative output. They worry that any disruption to the personnel structure she established could negatively impact the group's future, especially during a critical period as they prepare for a new album and world tour next year.

In their letter, fans also voiced concerns about the timing of Min Hee Jin's removal. They described the decision as "incomprehensible" given that NewJeans is entering its third year since debut, a crucial stage for any K-pop group. Fans pointed out that while Min Hee Jin's abilities had been proven, the new CEO, Kim Joo Young, lacks experience in both management and the entertainment industry, raising doubts about his ability to lead ADOR effectively.

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Additionally, NewJeans' fans urged HYBE and ADOR to consider the opinions of the NewJeans members in decisions that directly affect the group. They also requested that Min Hee Jin's term as CEO be guaranteed until November 2026, as outlined in the shareholder agreement. Furthermore, fans demanded that the label take stronger legal action against those who defame or leak personal information about the NewJeans members.

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Min Hee Jin was removed from her position as ADOR CEO on August 27, 2024, with the announcement that she would continue as NewJeans' in-house director and producer. However, Min Hee Jin later declined the new contract, citing unreasonable terms.