However, the court ruled that he was the source of the issues.
Ultimately, his dismissal from HYBE serves as a rebuttal to his constructed reality.
On the 27th, former CEO Min Hee-jin of ADOR stated in a lawsuit at the Seoul Central District Court, "HYBE was a hellish place. I endured for NewJeans." He insisted his fight was solely for NewJeans, regardless of monetary gain. However, various facts challenge his claims.
According to HYBE, Min's reported salary for 2024 is approximately 2.7 billion KRW, an unusually high figure for producers. He was given significant authority upon establishing ADOR, and the entire debut process of NewJeans was entrusted to him. Yet, none of the NewJeans members were directly selected by him; rather, they were scouted or belonged to other agencies, showing that his influence might be overstated.
The court clearly identified that Min Hee-jin's disputes with NewJeans stemmed from his leadership and attempts at independence. His claims of a 'hellish environment' are contradicted by the court's ruling and supporting documents, indicating a contradiction in the reality he presents.
The most significant contradiction in Min Hee-jin's claims lies in the high salary and authority he was given. It seems unrealistic for him to blame HYBE while leading NewJeans to success, indicating a disconnect between his situation and the hell he describes.
The court's ruling adds to the diminishing credibility of Min's statements. The judiciary recognized him as the source of the conflict, raising questions about his integrity and intervention methods. The evidence he presented appears less about an attempt at independence and more about solidifying his own position.
Ultimately, HYBE's dismissal of Min Hee-jin serves as a rebuttal to the reality he constructed, undermining the legitimacy of his self-proclaimed sacrifices and prompting a reevaluation of the relationship between NewJeans and HYBE.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily
