Mentioned in the acceptance speech at the '2024 The Fact Music Awards'
Girl group NewJeans has drawn attention by expressing their affection and gratitude toward former Adore CEO Min Hee-jin, who was recently dismissed, at a public event.
On the 8th, NewJeans won four awards at the '2024 The Fact Music Awards' held in Osaka, Japan, including the 'Musinsa Popularity Award,' 'Worldwide Icon,' 'World Best Performer,' and 'Artist of the Year.'
On that day, member Danielle said in her acceptance speech for the 'Musinsa Popularity Award,' "We truly love and appreciate CEO Min Hee-jin, who always cherishes and protects us." Additionally, Hyelin, upon receiving the 'Worldwide Icon' award, said, "As I said at the beginning, this might be the last time, so I want to say it once more," adding, "We are really, really thankful to our CEO (former CEO Min Hee-jin). We love you so much." This is the first time NewJeans members have publicly expressed their support for Min since his dismissal.
Adore held a board meeting on the 27th of last month and dismissed former CEO Min Hee-jin, appointing Kim Ju-young, HYBE's Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), as the new CEO of Adore. Adore stated, "Although former CEO Min Hee-jin has stepped down as CEO, he will retain his position as an internal director of Adore and will continue to be responsible for producing NewJeans."
However, Min Hee-jin's side rebutted the dismissal decision, calling it "an illegal decision that directly violates the shareholder agreement and the injunction prohibiting the exercise of voting rights." They also pointed out that the producing contract was very short-term, lasting only about two months, stating, "It is surprising to think that producing an idol group preparing for a world tour can be completed in just two months," and added, "It raises doubts about whether HYBE genuinely wants to continue entrusting NewJeans' production," refusing to sign the contract.
Following Min Hee-jin's dismissal, NewJeans members also expressed their bewilderment. Earlier, on the 2nd, Danielle revealed her feelings on the fan communication platform PONING, saying, "Honestly, after the CEO was dismissed, things became difficult and I had many worries," and "I think I was in a bit of a mental breakdown state for a while." Minji also said, "We don't even have enough time to talk about good things, so I feel very sorry and frustrated that I can't solve anything about why we have to go through such unnecessary trouble," appealing, "It might be selfish to say this, but I hope our Bunnies and we don't have to go through hard times anymore."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
