Meetings with the late Kazumichi raise concerns about New Jeans' musical direction.
Industry experts are worried about the implications of these incidents on the K-pop landscape.
[TV Daily Reporter Kim Ji-hyun] Min Hee-jin, the former head of Adore, is facing allegations of significant involvement in the press conference announcing New Jeans' contract termination in November 2024. There are also new claims that she facilitated meetings between New Jeans members and an elderly Japanese investor.
Dispatch reports that Min gave directives concerning press entry and the review of statements just days before the press event. Importantly, all directions were given after her resignation from Adore, raising questions about her role as an 'outsider.'
The allegations are compounded by the recent court ruling regarding Min's independence from HYBE, suggesting inconsistencies in the judicial approach. The Korea Entertainment Producer Association and the Korea Music Content Association officially expressed regret over what they view as an endorsement of tampering.
Additionally, Dispatch reported Min's connections to the late Japanese noble Kazumichi, claiming she took New Jeans members to meet him, thereby tying them to her influence regarding the new song 'Pit Stop'. The relationship between the song and her involvement cannot be overlooked. The various activities of New Jeans prompt ongoing speculation about the extent of her input.
Lastly, the case of Chinese businessman Bonnie Chan who sought 80% ownership of Adore adds another layer of intrigue, as it suggests a strategic maneuver concerning all shares apart from Min's 18%. Despite these ongoing investigations, Min Hee-jin has strongly denied the claims via her social media.
This incident raises significant questions regarding Min Hee-jin’s involvement and the legality of New Jeans' contract termination process. The fact that she directed matters related to New Jeans even after resigning from Adore could have serious repercussions in the K-pop industry. This is particularly important in a market where emphasizing artist independence is crucial, suggesting that similar cases in the future might negatively affect industry standards.
The connections in the song 'Pit Stop' and the meeting with the late Japanese nobleman Kazumichi hint at a complex web of relationships between Min and the artists’ activities. This could lead to growing concerns among fans and industry stakeholders about the creative processes and direction of New Jeans, potentially impacting trust in the idol group.
Finally, Min Hee-jin’s response on social media can be interpreted as a rather exaggerated reaction considering the serious allegations against her. It is essential to monitor how this situation evolves over time and how the industry will react to it.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily
