Margaret Chrystall
Updated on: October 10, 2024 7:55 am GMT
NewJeans Demands Reinstatement of Former CEO Amid Controversy with HYBE
On September 11, members of the K-pop group NewJeans hosted a YouTube livestream where they voiced their deep concerns regarding the recent removal of Min Hee-jin as CEO of ADOR. This drastic move by the management has sparked significant reactions from the girl group and their fans, as they demand her reinstatement before September 25.
Accusations Against HYBE Management
During the livestream, NewJeans members opened up about their unpleasant experiences with an HYBE manager who allegedly instructed others to “ignore” member Hanni. The eldest member, Minji, expressed her shock at the revelation, noting, “When I heard what Hanni went through, I was shocked. I couldn’t believe a manager told their member to ignore Hanni right in front of her.” This incident, coupled with Min Hee-jin’s dismissal, has left the group feeling disrespected and unsupported.
Concerns for Future
The sense of betrayal was palpable among the group members. They claimed to have alerted the new ADOR CEO, Kim Joo Young, about the manager’s improper conduct, but were met with indifference. “There is no proof, so just get over with it,” Kim reportedly stated. Such dismissive responses have taken a toll on the group’s morale, with Minji reflecting on how crucial Min Hee-jin was in advocating for their rights.
Desire for Original Management
- Minji emphasized that their request is for the original ADOR model, where Min Hee-jin’s vision guided the group’s artistic direction.
- She stated that they seek to regain their previous dynamics with management in order to continue making music that resonates with them.
Shock Over Dismissal
The sudden nature of Min Hee-jin’s dismissal shocked the members, as they found out through media reports rather than direct communication. Haerin shared, “We found out about the news of the CEO’s dismissal through an article on the very day it happened. It was so sudden, and none of the members had ever imagined such a thing.” This lack of transparency from HYBE has further fueled their frustration.
Support for Min Hee-jin at The Fact Music Awards
Not only did NewJeans speak out during their livestream, but they also publicly supported Min Hee-jin at The Fact Music Awards held on September 8 in Osaka, where they won four awards, including Artist of the Year. During their acceptance speech, member Danielle expressed gratitude, stating, “We truly love and thank [former] CEO Min Hee-jin who always cherishes and protects us.” Hyein further added she wanted to reiterate their support, encapsulating their relentless loyalty to their former leader.
Fan Reactions and Wider Impact
The group’s revelations have resonated deeply with their fandom, leading to an outpouring of support for Min Hee-jin. Over 1,000 fans have written an open letter to HYBE, calling for her reinstatement and raising concerns about how the management shake-up could impact NewJeans’ future and overall career trajectory.
Legal Actions and Complaints
Some fans have even escalated their concerns to the legal arena, filing complaints regarding the alleged mishandling of information by media outlets, accusing them of breaching personal data protection laws. This response illustrates the intense loyalty fans feel towards the group and their commitment to protecting its members.
Recent Developments in K-pop
The ongoing saga reflects a growing trend of K-pop artists and their associated management facing scrutiny over handling interpersonal relationships and communication within the industry. Moreover, notable figures in the industry, like Baekhyun from EXO, are achieving huge commercial success, further emphasizing the contrasting experiences within the K-pop landscape. Baekhyun’s fourth EP has reportedly sold over 1 million copies within just a week of release, highlighting a competitive atmosphere in the industry.
The Broader K-pop Landscape
As NewJeans grapples with these issues, they are not alone in a landscape frequently marred by public disputes and management controversies. The impact of management decisions on artists is becoming increasingly prominent, as seen in various high-profile cases such as Kang Daniel’s defamation lawsuit against a YouTuber and the noise surrounding other rising stars. This environment may influence how artists navigate their careers and the relationships they maintain with their fanbase.
Looking Forward
As the September 25 ultimatum approaches, the future of NewJeans and their relationship with HYBE remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is the group’s commitment to advocating for themselves and their vision in an industry that can often feel overwhelming. Members have expressed that they do not want to be mere pawns but wish to play a significant role in shaping not only their music but also their management’s approach moving forward.
K-pop is changing all the time, and both fans and artists might remember this moment as an important time for standing up for what is right in their music and treating each other with respect in a tough industry.
