Min Hee-jin: "It's contradictory to accuse of breach of trust while asking to take charge of producing"

Expressing Feelings to Japanese Media After Dismissal
Exclusive Interview with ANN... Introduced as 'Mother Who Raised NewJeans'
Min Hee-jin "Continuing Practical Work... Hope Situation Resolves Quickly"

Former ADORE CEO Min Hee-jin shared her feelings about the management rights dispute with HYBE in an interview with Japanese media. This was her first broadcast interview since being dismissed as ADORE CEO a month and a half ago. Min criticized, "Who would have known such a thing would happen?" but also called ADORE's proposal to have her produce NewJeans for five years instead of renewing her CEO term "contradictory."

On the 15th, TV Asahi and ANN (a private broadcaster affiliated with TV Asahi) aired the comprehensive news program "News Station," introducing Min as the "mother of NewJeans" and broadcasting an exclusive interview with her.

Thumbnail of an interview with former ADORE CEO Min Hee-jin conducted by TV Asahi-affiliated private broadcaster ANN. Under the title "The Reason for Demanding Management Rights," Min is introduced as the "parent (foster parent) who raised NewJeans." (Photo by ANN)

First, Min said, "I am neither a producer nor a CEO right now," but added, "However, I am still continuing the practical work I planned and carried out before. I cannot just let go." She updated, "I am actually working, including talking with the members, but the next step is still up in the air," and expressed, "I want to resolve the situation quickly."

When asked by reporters, "So what will happen to NewJeans going forward?" she replied, "I don't know. I'm not a fortune teller," and said, "I will just leave it to fate." Min lamented, "I was already planning a world tour starting next year and a full-length album early in the year. But who would have known such a thing would happen?" During the interview, she also mentioned member Hani, who appeared at the National Assembly audit related to HYBE issues. She said, "Since Hani's mother is not in Seoul right now, naturally I have to play the role of the mother who is in Seoul," showing affection by adding, "Someone has to be a pillar of support."

Former Representative Min is conducting an exclusive interview with ANN. (Photo by ANN)

Min also expressed her position on the ongoing management rights dispute. Regarding ADORE's proposal to have her produce NewJeans for five years instead of returning to the CEO position, she criticized, "They accused me of breach of trust, yet they are offering me the producer role, which is contradictory." She raised her voice, saying, "I wanted to create a new type of label that could create a new wave and flow in K-pop. HYBE said they would create that together, so I chose from many options and came here," adding, "If that part was not guaranteed, I wouldn't have joined in the first place."

On why she is demanding management rights, she explained, "When I was at SM Entertainment, I was limited to production work, so I experienced many dilemmas as a creator," and elaborated, "To achieve the goals and follow the plans set, production, investment, and management must move together. The value of efficiency changes depending on how costs are spent and reduced."

At the end of the interview, she emphasized, "This is not just about my life but about the lives of everyone who works with me," and said, "That is why I am fighting. Even if it is arduous, I believe that justice will eventually prevail, so I am giving it a try."

Former Representative Min is answering reporters' questions after completing the first investigation related to the charge of 'breach of duty' in July. (Photo by Yonhap News)

Meanwhile, HYBE responded to Min's interview by stating, "Min was replaced because many reasons were revealed that made her unfit as CEO," and added, "The issue of CEO reappointment should be decided independently by the management, and since related proceedings are currently ongoing, we ask for your understanding that it is difficult to comment."

In April, HYBE launched an audit alleging that Min attempted to seize management rights of ADORE. Then, in August, Min was dismissed from the CEO position. Min has filed an injunction requesting reinstatement, claiming the dismissal was unfair.