“Min Hee-jin Mentioned 104 Times” The Name That Shadowed NewJeans

The name Min Hee-jin was brought up a staggering 104 times during the legal proceedings. From contract breaches to PR warfare and even the “ignore her” misunderstanding involving Hanni – Min was at the center of it all.

NewJeans’ escape plan, the attempt, and its failure all revolved around Min Hee-jin. Ultimately, on October 30, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 41 ruled in favor of ADOR. In short, NewJeans lost.

NewJeans had argued for contract termination, citing:

• A management void following Min Hee-jin’s dismissal,
• Damage to their identity by ILLIT,
• Mishandling of leaked trainee videos,
• Devaluation of their achievements,
• Alleged album sabotage.

However, the court rejected all of their over 10 arguments. Dispatch reviewed the full verdict, highlighting key conclusions:

1. The exclusive contract did not mandate Min Hee-jin personally manage NewJeans.
2. ADOR staff were solely dedicated to NewJeans. The group received premium benefits like exclusive dorms, dance studios, and styling rooms along with a BTS MV cameo pre-debut proving ADOR’s commitment.
3. Though NewJeans claimed HYBE retaliated against Min via audit in April 2024, it was Min who initiated the public narrative.
4. At that time, Min was CEO, but NewJeans targeted the actions of ADOR and HYBE excluding her.
5. Min’s preparations public campaigns, institutional reports, and lawsuits show her intent to separate ADOR (and NewJeans) from HYBE.
6. She used the parents of NewJeans members to create public sentiment against HYBE.
7. Simultaneously, she explored investors to acquire ADOR. None of these actions were for NewJeans‘ protection; no internal messages showed such intent.
8. The group’s argument of “ADOR non-compliance” was based on Min’s premeditated actions to spark negative public opinion against HYBE.
9. Evidence suggests Min aimed to detach either ADOR or herself with NewJeans from HYBE entirely.
10. Regarding the “ignore her” comment: Hanni may have misheard or misremembered. The phrase was introduced by Min, not originally by Hanni.
11. Hanni’s recollection was likely influenced or distorted through her discussions with Min especially given her limited Korean fluency.
12. Min reframed the incident as if Hanni had experienced direct verbal abuse, even though Hanni herself could not express the event clearly.
13. Claims of album sabotage lack evidence. Min exploited this issue publicly to attack HYBE, not to rectify any real market disadvantage.
14. The court emphasized that management agencies often invest large sums in rookies before success is guaranteed. If artists who received such support later dispute the contract because their decisions weren’t accepted, it would undermine the entire contractual system.
15. Therefore, the exclusive contract remains valid. ADOR still holds management authority over NewJeans.

Despite the ruling, NewJeans expressed firm opposition: “It’s impossible to return to ADOR given the complete breakdown in trust. We will appeal immediately.”

Meanwhile, ADOR commented, “We hope this outcome offers the artists a chance to calmly reflect on the matter. We are ready and waiting to proceed with preparations for NewJeans’ full album release and future activities.”

Sources: dispatch

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