Claims have emerged that she was involved in contacting Japanese investors and managing performances in Hong Kong.
Min Hee-jin's camp has denied all related allegations.
On February 23, 2026, allegations surfaced regarding former Adore CEO Min Hee-jin's involvement in NewJeans' independent activities amid the group's contract dispute. According to Dispatch, Min allegedly contacted the late Kazumichi, a prominent figure in Japan's racing industry, in late 2024. Kazumichi is known to be associated with wealthy individuals linked to the founder of Bridgestone and previously managed a Le Mans 24 Hours championship team. In early 2025, NewJeans members reportedly met him multiple times during their visit to Japan, raising speculation that they were exploring potential investments. Additionally, claims have emerged that Min played a crucial role in orchestrating the 'ComplexCon' performance in Hong Kong in March 2025, where NewJeans appeared under the name NJZ. While discussions about performance contracts took place in a group chat involving the members' parents and legal representatives, Min apparently took on a coordinating role without stepping into the limelight. Furthermore, the CEO of Complex China allegedly submitted a proposal to Hybe to acquire 80% of Adore for 400 billion won last October, adding fuel to the ongoing suspicions. There are also testimonies suggesting that Min was involved in crafting the script and managing the messaging for NewJeans' contract termination press conference in November 2024. As Min resigned just a week before this press conference, many speculate this was an attempt to evade liability related to conflicts of interest. Although she has won some legal battles previously, if these allegations are proven true, she could face serious ramifications. Min Hee-jin's camp has consistently denied these allegations.
The allegations surrounding NewJeans and Min Hee-jin highlight the complex contract structures within the K-pop industry. Trust between artists and their management is paramount, and this situation reveals that such trust can waver. If the allegations of Min orchestrating independent activities for NewJeans are true, it could have significant repercussions for the group's management and dynamics.
Min Hee-jin is a prominent figure, and her actions have been under constant scrutiny. If she has, as alleged, designed independent activities, it signifies not merely an individual endeavor but raises concerns about undermining public trust across the entertainment industry. The potential damage to the innocent image of idols due to power struggles happening behind the scenes is a distressing consideration for fans.
In such circumstances, fans may hold the authenticity of their artists in even higher regard. The loyalty within the K-pop fandom is intense, and controversies like this can shake that loyalty. Thus, the relationship between NewJeans and Min Hee-jin, along with any ensuing legal battles, could serve as an opportunity for a broader reflection on the K-pop industry as a whole.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily
