It looks like Min Hee Jin is keen to continue as the CEO of ADOR. Now, HYBE has responded to her injunction request for reinstatement to her former position.
HYBE Responds to Min Hee Jin Injunction Request
On September 13, HYBE issued an official statement in response to former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin’s legal filing for an injunction, in which she seeks reappointment as both CEO and inside director of the company. This move follows her dismissal from the CEO role, a decision made by ADOR’s board of directors on August 27. Min Hee Jin’s filing has intensified the situation, bringing attention to the underlying legal and managerial disputes between HYBE, ADOR, and Min Hee Jin.
HYBE clarified its stance by explaining that the shareholder agreement between HYBE and Min Hee Jin, which initially governed her role as CEO, had already been terminated. The agency emphasized that, “Once the agreement is terminated, its legal effect is void.” HYBE further disclosed that a lawsuit had already been filed to confirm the termination of this shareholder agreement, and they are currently awaiting the court’s decision on the matter.
In addition to the legal clarification, HYBE asserted that Min Hee Jin’s dismissal as CEO was the result of a decision made independently by ADOR’s board of directors. The agency emphasized that the decision had no connection to HYBE or the previously terminated shareholder agreement. The agency noted that ADOR’s board of directors acted solely out of business management considerations, not influenced by external factors.
HYBE expressed disappointment over Min Hee Jin’s recent actions, stating, “We regret that Min Hee Jin, who has long emphasized the importance of ADOR’s independent management as a separate entity, is not respecting ADOR’s board of directors’ decision.” This statement reflects HYBE’s stance that Min Hee Jin, who previously championed the autonomy and distinct identity of ADOR, is now opposing the very independent decision-making processes she once advocated.
NewJeans Fights for Min Hee Jin
Earlier on the same day, Min Hee Jin’s legal team filed an injunction to challenge her dismissal. Her team argues that the shareholder agreement, which guaranteed her a five-year term as CEO and inside director, is still legally valid and has not been lawfully terminated. They claim that the dismissal was a violation of this agreement and are seeking legal recourse to have Min Hee Jin reinstated in both roles.
The controversy surrounding Min Hee Jin’s departure escalated when ADOR first announced on August 27 that she would no longer serve as CEO. However, it was noted at the time that Min Hee Jin would continue her involvement with NewJeans by producing their content as an internal director at ADOR. Despite this, the shift in leadership has caused tension, particularly with fans and the members of NewJeans.
In a surprising turn, the five members of NewJeans held a live broadcast on YouTube on September 11, where they expressed their dissatisfaction with Min Hee Jin’s removal as CEO. The group firmly requested that she be reinstated by September 25, underscoring her importance to their artistic and professional development.
As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes are on how the court will rule on the shareholder agreement and whether Min Hee Jin will regain her former leadership role within ADOR. The situation has not only legal implications but could also impact the creative direction of NewJeans and the future of ADOR’s independent management.