HYBE "Min Heejin Uses NewJeans as a Shield for Self-Protection"
It has been confirmed that all members of the group NewJeans have submitted a petition to the court.
Amid the legal battle between CEO Min and the parent company HYBE, all five NewJeans members?Danielle, Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein?submitted a petition (affidavit) to the court on the 17th, the day the hearing for the injunction to prohibit the exercise of voting rights filed by CEO Min was held.
This is the first time the members have officially voiced their stance regarding the current situation. The specific contents of the petition have not been disclosed. However, since the members have consistently regarded CEO Min as a 'mother' figure and shown a strong bond since their debut, the petition is seen as lending support to CEO Min's side.
CEO Min strongly emphasized at a press conference last month that not only the members but also their parents sided with her. Furthermore, in a statement released shortly after HYBE began auditing ADOR, it was stated, "After thorough discussions with NewJeans members and their legal representatives, we have announced an official position," and claimed, "The cultural achievements made by NewJeans are ironically being most severely infringed upon by HYBE." This can be interpreted as meaning that both NewJeans' parents (legal representatives) and the members themselves share her intentions.
However, during the hearing, HYBE's side countered by asking, "Is it really true that Min Hee-jin claims to be the 'NewJeans mom'?" and alleged, "She made derogatory remarks such as 'It's disgusting to respect them as artists' during conversations with acquaintances. She also engaged in gaslighting."
They further stated, "It appears she wants the NewJeans members to be mentally dependent. Preventing artists from expressing their individuality is not normal. The creditor wanted the artists to be passive and tried to confine them within the framework of a mother-daughter relationship," and criticized, "A true mother should become a shield for the members, but instead, she is protecting herself." They concluded, "All of this is not for public interest or resistance but for Min Hee-jin's personal gain."
Earlier, HYBE requested the convening of an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, and on the 10th, ADOR's board of directors resolved to hold the extraordinary general meeting on the 31st.
HYBE, which holds 80% of ADOR's shares, demanded the dismissal of CEO Min as an agenda item at the extraordinary general meeting. Since HYBE holds the majority of ADOR's shares, CEO Min's dismissal is considered certain.
HYBE has alleged CEO Min's conspiracy to seize management rights of ADOR and breach of trust. On the 25th of last month, HYBE filed a complaint against CEO Min for breach of trust at the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul.
CEO Min's side filed an injunction at the Seoul Central District Court to prohibit the exercise of voting rights in favor of the dismissal agenda against HYBE.
Since results usually come out within two weeks after the hearing, the court's decision is expected before the shareholders' meeting scheduled for the 31st. If the court grants CEO Min's injunction, HYBE's plan to dismiss CEO Min and stabilize ADOR will face significant setbacks. Conversely, if the injunction is dismissed, HYBE can exercise shareholder rights to dismiss CEO Min and replace ADOR's management.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
