Former Representative Min's Injunction Request Dismissed; Internal Email States "Issues Exposed During Dispute Will Be Resolved"
Former ADORE CEO Min Hee-jin's injunction request against HYBE for reappointment as CEO was dismissed by the court, and HYBE CEO Lee Jae-sang conveyed a message to internal members that he will swiftly work toward the "normalization" of ADORE.
According to industry sources on the 30th, CEO Lee sent an internal email titled "A Message to HYBE Members" to HYBE employees immediately after the court's dismissal decision the previous afternoon, stating, "The phase of confusion that has lasted for over seven months has reached a turning point, and the direction for resolving various issues has become clearer." He added, "The company intends to quickly proceed with the normalization of ADORE. We expect meaningful progress in the re-signing of the most important (Min Hee-jin's) NewJeans producer contract within a short period."
CEO Lee said, "I am well aware that members have endured a long time with feelings of shame and despair," encouraging employees and adding, "Through this ordeal, I have once again realized that the members who silently do their best in their respective roles are the pillars supporting our company. I sincerely apologize and express my gratitude."
He continued, "We expect meaningful progress in the re-signing of the most important NewJeans producer contract within a short time. Although there will be many difficulties in the process, as the company has stated multiple times, there is no change in our commitment to fully support NewJeans to become a more global artist by mobilizing all our capabilities."
Here, the "producer re-signing" is interpreted as the renewal of the contract with former CEO Min, who has been the overall producer of NewJeans. Since Min created NewJeans' identity and the fandom Bunnyz strongly supports Min, it seems practically difficult to find another producer under the current circumstances.
However, despite being reappointed as an internal director of ADORE for a three-year term recently, former CEO Min insists that to continue as producer, she must return to the CEO position overseeing management. Even after the court's dismissal decision the day before, she repeatedly asserts that the "shareholders' agreement remains valid" between her and HYBE and that she should return to the CEO position.
In particular, CEO Lee stated, "We will resolve the various issues exposed during this dispute one by one, even if it takes time," and added, "We are also considering personnel reshuffles, and decisions regarding the targets and scope will be made with consideration for the stability of company operations."
Furthermore, he said, "We will definitely correct the points that need improvement, and hold accountable those responsible where necessary. This is essential to further develop K-pop, loved worldwide, within a more advanced and transparent industry ecosystem. I am convinced that adhering to principles is the right course of action."
HYBE is scheduled to hold a town hall meeting for employees at its headquarters in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the same day to explain plans following the injunction and to hold a Q&A session regarding related matters.
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