In a rare and bold move, K-pop girl group NewJeans has publicly demanded the reinstatement of their ousted CEO, Min Hee-jin, amidst an escalating dispute with their management company, HYBE. The group, known for their chart-topping hits and unique creative direction, expressed deep concern about their future and artistic vision without Min’s leadership.
In a surprise YouTube livestream on September 11th, the five members of NewJeans, Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, spoke candidly about their anxieties and frustrations. The livestream, organized without their agency’s knowledge, served as a platform for the group to voice their concerns directly to their fans and the public.
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The members of NewJeans, driven by a deep sense of urgency, decided to take matters into their own hands. They felt compelled to speak out about the ongoing issues within their company and the impact it was having on their careers. The decision to hold a livestream was not taken lightly, as it was a significant departure from their usual public image.
The group acknowledged the risks involved in such a public statement, but they believed it was essential to share their perspective with the world. They were aware that their actions could have consequences, but they were willing to face them in order to protect their interests and the interests of their fans.
The livestream was a carefully planned event, organized with the help of trusted individuals within the industry. The members of NewJeans worked tirelessly to prepare their message, ensuring that their concerns were communicated clearly and effectively. They were determined to use this opportunity to shed light on the issues they were facing and to rally support for their cause.
The central demand of the livestream was a plea for HYBE to reinstate Min Hee-jin as the CEO of ADOR, their subsidiary label. Minji, the group’s leader, stated, “We hope that HYBE makes the wise choice to reinstate Min Hee-jin as the CEO of ADOR by September 25th.” She emphasized their desire for an ADOR where “music production and company management are done by Min Hee-jin as the CEO.”
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The group also shed light on alleged mistreatment within HYBE, with Hanni recounting a specific incident: “I was waiting in the hallway and an artist and their manager passed me by. I was going to say hello to them but the manager told them to ‘ignore her’ right in front of me.”
The members expressed their frustration with the new management’s handling of the situation, stating that they felt unheard and unsupported. Hanni further criticized HYBE’s alleged expectation for Min to continue producing their future work despite the ongoing legal conflict.
Beyond specific incidents, the members expressed concerns about losing their unique artistic identity and the harmonious working environment they enjoyed under Min’s leadership. Danielle passionately described Min as “not only the person that produces our music, but someone who makes NewJeans who we are.”
This public outcry from NewJeans has sent shockwaves through the K-pop industry, highlighting the tensions between artists and powerful management companies. HYBE’s shares experienced a significant drop following the livestream, reflecting the potential impact of this conflict on the company’s reputation and financial standing.
The outcome of this dispute will have far-reaching implications for the K-pop industry. If NewJeans are successful in their demands, it could set a precedent for other artists to challenge their management companies and demand better treatment. However, if HYBE is able to weather this storm, it could send a message to other artists that they should be careful about speaking out against their companies.
