Adoer to Reinvestigate Allegations of Sexual Harassment Victim Resignation Case

Kim Ju-young, New CEO, "Committed to Organizational Stability"

Adore, the agency of the group NewJeans, appears to be set to reinvestigate the case of Mr. A, who resigned citing sexual harassment and workplace bullying.

Adoer [Photo by Adoer]

According to industry sources on the 2nd, Adore initiated a reinvestigation of the case after appointing Kim Ju-young as the new CEO on the 27th of last month, aiming to reorganize and stabilize the organization.

In an email sent to Adore employees on the day of his appointment, CEO Kim emphasized work rationality, stating, "I will meet with all members as often as possible to discuss what is necessary for smooth and reasonable work performance, how to improve it, and share the progress."

Mr. A, who claimed to have been harassed and sexually harassed by executive Mr. B during his tenure at Adore, reported Mr. B for workplace bullying and sexual harassment and subsequently resigned. Additionally, he recently filed a complaint with the police against former Adore CEO Min Hee-jin for defamation and violation of the Personal Information Protection Act, following a public dispute between them.

On the 28th of last month, the day after his appointment, CEO Kim reportedly met Adore employees through online and offline meetings to explain the background of the CEO replacement. During this meeting, there was a Q&A session regarding approval lines and contract procedures.

After the CEO change, Adore is said to have introduced the work messenger "Slack" as a channel for work reporting and communication. Previously, work instructions were given via KakaoTalk, but this change is interpreted as a response to controversies arising from sensitive conversations revealed during an audit in personal KakaoTalk chats.

The Adore board held a meeting on the 27th of last month and dismissed former CEO Min. However, they stated that they will continue to consult with former CEO Min regarding NewJeans' producing work.

In response, former CEO Min's side strongly opposed, stating, "This is an illegal decision that directly violates the injunction prohibiting contract and voting rights exercise among shareholders."