Contradictions between Hanni's statements and Min's actions are drawing attention.
This incident highlights trust issues between the artist and the agency.
[TV Daily Reporter Kim Han-gil] Min Hee-jin, the former Ador CEO, has been embroiled in controversy following accusations that she exerted influence over key decisions made by NewJeans members, despite her self-proclaimed title as the 'mother' of the group. During the recent third hearing, she emphasized the members' autonomy, denying any direction to Hanni regarding her appearance at a national audit; however, inconsistencies in her statements raise doubts.
Recent reports from Dispatch have shown that Hanni spent over four hours in a meeting with Min and her legal representative last October, suggesting a more significant interaction than a casual occasion. Hanni asserted her decision afterwards but the timeline complicates the notion of independent choice. In court, Min avoided answering press questions directly, adding to the ambiguity surrounding her role.
The controversy surrounding Hanni’s 'ignore it' remarks also demands attention. The court found these remarks to have likely originated from Min, as analysis of CCTV suggested that the alleged neglect was actually a result of Min's actions, further eroding trust in her proclaimed leadership.
Min Hee-jin's role is complex. As a creative leader at Ador under HYBE, she significantly contributed to NewJeans' success. Yet, her dual behavior revealed in the current legal dispute calls into question whether she violated the members' independence, attracting criticism from fans and the public alike.
NewJeans has a strong fanbase that emphasizes the members' autonomy. They recognize the gap between Min's claims of agency and her actual involvement, which not only characterizes the artist but could also impact the political dynamics within the music industry.
Ultimately, this situation serves as a reminder of the need to review the celebrity management system and the trust relationship between the agency and artists, highlighting the necessity for clear boundaries.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: DB
