Min Heejin: "Disappointed by Moon Administration's Real Estate Policy... I've Always Supported the Democratic Party"

"Personally Voted for Former President Moon Jae-in"
Releases Rally Videos and Photos as Evidence

Min Heejin, former CEO of Adore and producer of the group NewJeans, has denied allegations that she pressured employees to support a specific political party during her tenure as Chief Brand Officer (CBO) at HYBE, publicly clarifying her own political stance.

Min Hee-jin, former CEO of Adore, appeared as a witness in the lawsuit for the claim of stock sale proceeds and confirmation of termination of shareholder agreement with HYBE held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu last September. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On November 28, Min explained via her Instagram Story, "I have always been a supporter of the Democratic Party and personally voted for former President Moon Jae-in." She added, "I never expected that my comments, made out of disappointment with the Moon administration's real estate policies in 2020, would be distorted in this way."

Min further emphasized her political beliefs, stating, "All my acquaintances know that I have consistently supported President Lee Jaemyung since his time as mayor of Seongnam. I participated in impeachment rallies and continuously sent supplies to protesters." She continued, "I don't understand what kind of framing is being attempted with private KakaoTalk messages. Moreover, 2020 was before Adore was even established."

To support her claims, Min released a video filmed at an impeachment rally, details of her donations to protester supplies, and photos taken on the June 3 presidential election day. She commented, "Yesterday in court, HYBE tried to introduce a political frame unrelated to the main issues. I wanted to respond, but the judge stopped me, saying it was not relevant, so I refrained out of respect."

This controversy arose during the ongoing lawsuit between HYBE and Min regarding the termination of their shareholder agreement. On November 27, the Civil Agreement Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Nam Insu) held a hearing for the lawsuit filed by HYBE against Min for confirmation of contract termination, as well as Min's claim for stock sale proceeds related to a put option.

Former Representative Min released a video filmed at an impeachment rally to assert his political stance, details of donations to the protesters' supplies, and photos taken on the June 3 presidential election day. Screenshot from Min Heejin, former CEO of Adore's Instagram

During the proceedings, HYBE's legal representatives presented evidence alleging that Min intervened in employees' political choices. Citing a post from a workplace community last year, the writer claimed that Min pressured employees "not to vote for the Democratic Party" and even reprimanded an employee who chose a Democratic Party candidate.

HYBE also disclosed a KakaoTalk message exchange from December 2020 between Min and an employee. The messages included Min saying, "Why did you vote for the Democratic Party?" and "If there's no party to vote for, you shouldn't vote at all. Like me. LOL."