Recent reports have brought to light troubling evidence regarding Min Hee Jin, the CEO of ADOR, and her alleged attempts to exploit the parents of NewJeans members, even prior to the commencement of HYBE‘s audit.
Did The ADOR CEO Exploit Parents of NewJeans Members?
On May 21 KST, it was revealed that Min Hee Jin had engaged in a conversation with the head of the ADOR unit just one day before the parents of NewJeans members sent a formal complaint letter on March 30 KST.
During this conversation, Min Hee Jin reportedly discussed the potential to leverage the parents of the NewJeans members strategically, as long as it did not infringe upon the shareholder agreement. She was quoted saying, “Is this written from the moms’ perspectives? We should consider the tone of delivery,” and suggesting, “We can actively exploit the fact that moms did not sign contracts with HYBE. Are there any clauses worth objecting to?” This indicates a calculated approach to utilizing the parents’ dissatisfaction for her own advantage.
ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin accused of exploiting #NewJeans members' parents before HYBE audithttps://t.co/0ytQBtBeG1
— allkpop (@allkpop) May 21, 2024
Further evidence emerged from April 20, just two days before HYBE began its audit of ADOR. Plans were reportedly made to launch an attack on HYBE, using the parents’ grievances as a front. It was suggested, “The moms will be the ones filing complaints with the Fair Trade Commission. It wouldn’t look right for the subsidiary to file a complaint. It’s better if the moms criticize. The fact that moms filed a complaint alone will prove innocence. If the subsidiary company complains, there can be accusations of harming the company.”
During the hearing for the injunction against the exercise of voting rights filed by Min Hee Jin against HYBE on May 17 KST, HYBE presented their case. They argued, “CEO Min Hee Jin instructed that if she or ADOR raised issues, it would constitute a violation of the shareholder agreement, so the parents of NewJeans members must express their dissatisfaction first. She only used NewJeans and their parents for her own goals.”
Min Hee Jin Shoots Back At Latest Allegations
Min Hee Jin’s side, however, refuted these claims. They stated, “It is not true that the NewJeans parents followed CEO Min’s instructions. They were urged to express their anger at HYBE’s wrongdoing and voluntarily wrote the letter of complaint to ADOR.” The defense suggests that the parents’ actions were a genuine expression of their concerns rather than orchestrated moves by Min Hee Jin.
The unfolding controversy highlights the complex dynamics within corporate governance and the potential manipulation of stakeholders for strategic gain. It raises significant ethical questions about the extent to which executives can influence and utilize the grievances of third parties to serve their objectives. As the legal and corporate tussle continues, the impact on NewJeans and their families remains a critical concern, alongside the broader implications for corporate conduct within the entertainment industry.