She emphasized that allegations of tampering with NewJeans are unfounded.
The situation highlights the need for protecting artist rights.
Former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin's representatives clarified that the conflict with HYBE is unrelated to any tampering issues involving NewJeans or contract termination. Allegations of 'trying to poach NewJeans' arose following rumors of a meeting with DaBoLink, distorting the main issue at hand. Min emphasized that she only heard of DaBoLink for the first time and sought to concede shareholder rights for the return of NewJeans.
The conflict between Min and HYBE, which began in April 2024, stemmed from differences in the operational approach of the label, not related to the contract termination of NewJeans. The narrative shifted rapidly as media reports accused Min of attempting to take NewJeans, leading to public backlash against her.
In June 2024, Min received a proposal for negotiations with HYBE from a family member of a NewJeans member and attempted to establish direct communication with HYBE, only to learn of the names Terra Science and DaBoLink for the first time in the process.
This incident highlights the complexity of the dispute between former CEO Min Hee-jin and HYBE, which cannot be reduced to merely contractual issues. The media's erroneous reporting has not only harmed Min's reputation but also distorted her true intentions, significantly affecting societal perceptions of relationships between artists and labels.
Furthermore, Min's willingness to concede shareholder rights for the return of NewJeans underscores the importance of protecting artist rights. If her dedicated efforts are overshadowed by false narratives created by media, it could have a detrimental impact on the entire industry.
Lastly, this case serves as a clear example of the intricacies of the K-Pop industry and its internal power structures, reminding the public and fans of the importance of building trust in artists. There is an increasing call for a critical approach to media reporting, as well as a greater understanding of artists' positions within the industry.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily