The ongoing conflict between Min Hee-jin, ADOR, HYBE, and NewJeans has become one of the most talked-about controversies in the K-pop industry. Hybe is a South Korean entertainment company, with ADOR being one of the many sub-labels under it. What started as an internal power struggle soon escalated into legal battles, public accusations, and a dramatic reshaping of one of HYBE’s most successful sub-labels. Fans and industry insiders have been divided, with different perspectives on what truly led to the breakdown of relations between Min Hee-jin and HYBE, and how NewJeans has been caught in the ongoing dispute. Isabelle Phung (10) expresses, “I believe that all parties are equally at fault for this dispute, whether due to bad management, naivety, or the heavy manipulation of those in power.”
Min Hee-jin, the CEO of ADOR, played a crucial role in shaping NewJeans’ identity and brand image. As an executive known for her strong artistic vision, she was credited with creating a fresh, innovative concept that set the group apart from other K-pop acts. She has been portrayed as a motherly figure within the K-pop industry, often lauded for her nurturing approach to managing artists, especially NewJeans. However, this perception has been significantly challenged by recent revelations.
Behind the scenes, it has been revealed through leaked conversations and internal reports that Min Hee-jin was engaging in derogatory remarks about the group and its members, particularly after their disputes with ADOR became public. These revelations contradicted the supportive, maternal image she cultivated, suggesting that her attempts to insert herself back into the group’s narrative were less about care and more about controlling the group’s direction and narrative. The contrast between her public persona as a “mother figure” and the private criticisms of NewJeans has caused a divide, with fans and industry insiders questioning her true motivations regarding her handling of the group’s autonomy. However, NewJeans still chose to risk their careers to support her.
Tensions began to rise in early 2024 when HYBE launched an audit of ADOR, suspecting Min of trying to make the company independent. Min denied these accusations, instead claiming that HYBE was attempting to undermine her control over ADOR while failing to address issues like plagiarism concerns surrounding another HYBE girl group, ILLIT.
As the dispute escalated, HYBE accused Min of breach of trust and took legal action against her, while Min countered with claims that HYBE was retaliating against her for speaking out. The legal fight intensified when HYBE attempted to remove Min from her position, but a court granted an order preventing HYBE from using its voting rights to remove her. Despite this temporary victory, Min ultimately resigned from all her roles at ADOR and HYBE in November 2024, stating that she could no longer work within the company under such conditions.
The issue first came to public attention during a surprise YouTube livestream on September 11, 2024, where Hanni, a member of NewJeans, alleged that a manager from another HYBE-affiliated girl group, ILLIT, had instructed their members to ignore her. This revelation prompted widespread concern and discussions about the internal dynamics within HYBE’s subsidiaries.
During the same livestream, all five members of NewJeans expressed their dissatisfaction with the company’s management and demanded the reinstatement of former ADOR CEO, Min Hee-jin. They publicly voiced support for Min, hinting that they were considering leaving ADOR if her position wasn’t restored. Min was offered a producer position back at ADOR; however, she declined the offer, resulting in the termination of NewJeans’ contract.
The fallout from this controversy had significant financial implications. HYBE’s market valuation reportedly dropped by over $420 million following NewJeans’ announcement, reflecting investor concerns over the instability within the company. The dispute also raised questions about artist autonomy and corporate control in the K-pop industry, with fans and commentators debating whether HYBE’s actions were justified or if Min Hee-jin had been unfairly targeted.
After NewJeans announced the termination of their exclusive contract with ADOR on November 28, 2024, ADOR filed a lawsuit to contest this termination, stating that the contract “cannot be unilaterally terminated.” If the court rules in favor of ADOR, NewJeans could face substantial financial penalties, with industry estimates suggesting potential damages of up to 600 billion won (approximately $4.3 million) (Koreaboo.com).
In a significant development, NewJeans has terminated its contract and officially rebranded as NJZ amid ongoing legal disputes with their label, ADOR, and its parent company, HYBE. The group announced the name change on February 7, 2025, signaling a fresh start as they pursue independent activities. The group’s decision to rebrand has been accompanied by a series of teasers that hint at a more mature image, distancing themselves from their previous persona. These teasers have generated significant buzz, as Helena Lee (10) shares, “At first, I really couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw their post. As a fan of New Jeans since their debut, I can’t help but feel joy over the end of their long hiatus, but at the same time stressed about their situation.”
The ongoing situation with NewJeans’ rebranding and breaking from ADOR shows how greed, mistreatment, and manipulation are at the center of the conflict. Min Hee-jin, despite presenting herself as a motherly figure, manipulated the young members of NewJeans to maintain control over their careers and personal choices. The mistreatment, contract manipulation, and lack of real support have led to growing tension. This case highlights how the music industry can prioritize profits over artists’ rights, showing the struggles young artists face when taken advantage of by those in power.
