Min Hee Jin Turns Down ADOR’s Proposal For Compromise And Partial Return
This article is part of our coverage of HYBE vs. ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin. You can read more and view the entire timeline here.
According to recent reports, ADOR had extended a compromise proposal to its former CEO, Min Hee Jin, by offering her a role as a board director. The label, however, rejected her reinstatement as CEO despite NewJeans’ public ultimatum.
On September 25, ADOR released an official statement revealing that its board of directors had agreed to an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting to reappoint Min Hee Jin as a director. The meeting is scheduled for October 17, KST.
The label also confirmed that it had proposed to Min on September 11 that she oversee the production of NewJeans for the remaining five years of the group’s contract with ADOR. But the agency made it clear that Min Hee Jin’s return as the CEO was “unacceptable,” as per internal discussions.
Min Hee Jin has responded to this announcement through an official statement, categorically rejecting the “compromise.” She criticized the proposal as mere wordplay, emphasizing that there was no guarantee of her return as a board member.
Since the appointment of an inside director is decided by the major shareholder, HYBE, it is uncertain at this point whether former CEO Min Hee Jin will be reappointed as an inside director.
— Statement from Min Hee Jin’s representatives
Min Hee Jin’s statement also rejected ADOR’s offer to remain NewJeans’ producer, stating that the offer was not genuine and included the same “toxic clauses” that they refused to negotiate.
According to the statement, Min Hee Jin is concerned that agreeing to a faulty contract might render her unable to guarantee NewJeans’ normal artist activities. Hence, she wants to return as the CEO with contract clauses that reflect HYBE’s sincerity.
The statement concluded in an apprehensive tone, accusing HYBE of engaging in media play to hide something more significant.
It became clear this morning that HYBE is conducting media activities to disparage the achievements of its affiliated artists. We doubt what else they’re trying to hide by urgently making a statement today and whether they are attempting to drive a wedge between Min Hee Jin and NewJeans.
— Statement from Min Hee Jin’s representatives
HYBE is yet to respond to Min’s statement as of yet.
Stay tuned for more updates!
