Leaked KakaoTalk messages between Min Hee Jin and ADOR VP spark controversy over NewJeans' contract costs

The release of this conversation has sparked controversy and suspicion among Korean netizens, though interestingly, not towards Min Hee Jin. Instead, the focus has shifted to the VP.

Recently, YouTuber Lee Jin Ho released new KakaoTalk messages, unveiling a conversation between Min Hee Jin, the CEO of ADOR, and the company’s vice president regarding the financial aspects of NewJeans' contracts. In the disclosed screenshots, the vice president (VP) communicated significant figures concerning the potential termination costs of the NewJeans members’ contracts.

"VP (March 14, 2024): The termination amount per person is estimated at 12.45 billion KRW. With five members, this totals around 62 billion KRW. However, the current shareholder agreement states that any major contract changes, terminations, or renewals must be approved by the ADOR board.

Min Hee Jin: Huh? NewJeans? That’s not much.

VP: Oh, I apologize. It’s actually between 450 billion KRW and 620 billion KRW."

On March 14, 2024, the VP informed Min Hee Jin that terminating the contracts would cost approximately 12.45 billion KRW per member, amounting to a total of around 62 billion KRW for all five members. He added that any substantial contract modifications, including terminations or renewals, require approval from the ADOR board under the current shareholder agreement.

Min Hee Jin’s initial response was one of surprise. This was met with an apology and a correction from the VP, who then clarified that the actual cost ranged between 450 billion KRW and 620 billion KRW. The following day, on March 15, the VP reiterated the significant financial damage ADOR would suffer if the members were to leave, emphasising that all past albums and existing brand contracts are tied to ADOR.

The release of this conversation has sparked controversy and suspicion among Korean netizens, though interestingly, not towards Min Hee Jin. Instead, the focus has shifted to the VP, with many questioning his intentions and speculating that he might be acting on behalf of HYBE, the parent company of ADOR. Min Hee Jin’s surprised reactions to the VP’s messages have fuelled these speculations, suggesting that the VP’s abrupt and detailed initiation of the discussion was peculiar.

Comments from netizens reflect a variety of opinions and suspicions. Some questioned why the VP has not faced legal repercussions, mocking HYBE and highlighting the substantial penalty fees involved. Others found the VP’s behaviour suspicious, comparing him to a potential "HYBE spy" and criticising the manner in which the issue was brought to light. A few netizens expressed skepticism about the conversation’s context, suggesting that the VP’s statements might have been misinterpreted without the full transcript.