Last Updated:November 29, 2024, 15:32 IST
Here’s a detailed timeline of the tension-filled events that led up to NewJeans’ dramatic departure. The saga began in April 2024 when Min Hee Jin, the CEO of ADOR got in conflict with HYBE Label.
Min Hee Jin made her departure official and resigned as ADOR’s internal director on November 20. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
NewJeans, the K-pop group that turned heads with their fresh, girl-next-door vibe and skyrocketing fame, is currently under the spotlight. Their recent breakaway from ADOR, the HYBE-owned company that helped shape their rise to fame, has left the K-pop world buzzing. But what led to this surprising split? Well, the story goes deeper than a simple management change.
Here’s a detailed timeline of the tension-filled events that led up to NewJeans’ dramatic departure. The saga began in April 2024 when Min Hee Jin, the CEO of ADOR and the mastermind behind NewJeans’ creative direction, was in a bitter conflict with HYBE, the conglomerate that owns ADOR.
Min Hee Jin vs. HYBE
The clash was rooted in serious allegations of workplace harassment, the leaking of private information and poor management practices. The situation escalated when, on August 27, HYBE’s board decided to dismiss Min Hee Jin from her role as ADOR’s CEO, even though she remained actively involved with NewJeans as their producer.
NewJeans Stands by Min Hee Jin
While tensions were rising behind closed doors, NewJeans remained loyal to Min Hee Jin. On September 11, the group took to YouTube for an impromptu livestream, where they publicly voiced their support for their producer. The idols made it clear that Min Hee Jin was the driving force behind their success and expressed frustration over HYBE’s management decisions. In an unprecedented move for K-pop idols, they issued a direct ultimatum to HYBE’s chairman, Bang Si Hyuk, demanding Min’s reinstatement by September 25. HYBE responded, rejecting their demand but reassuring fans that Min Hee Jin would continue as NewJeans’ Creative Director, despite her ousting as CEO.
Hanni’s Testimony and the Fight Against Toxicity
As the dispute snowballed, attention shifted to the toxic workplace culture that NewJeans accused HYBE of fostering. On October 15, member Hanni testified before South Korea’s National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee. She shared disturbing accounts of discrimination and harassment that she and others had allegedly faced within the company. The testimony cast a shadow over HYBE’s reputation and intensified the battle between the company and the group.
The Final Ultimatum to ADOR
By November 13, the situation had reached a boiling point. NewJeans, feeling their patience wearing thin, issued one last warning to ADOR. They accused the company of multiple breaches of their exclusive contract and threatened to terminate the agreement if the issues weren’t addressed within 14 days.
Disbandment Rumors
On November 16, NewJeans won the Grand Artist Award at the Korea Grand Music Awards. But during their acceptance speech, their words sparked rumours about the group’s future. With uncertainty, the members told their fans, affectionately known as Bunnies, “We don’t know when until we will be NewJeans,” raising concerns about the group’s possible disbandment.
Min Hee Jin’s resignation
Just days later, on November 20, Min Hee Jin made her departure official. She resigned as ADOR’s internal director, calling the ongoing conflict with HYBE a “nightmarish dispute.” In a heartfelt resignation statement, Min explained how an illegal audit had triggered her downfall and declared that any further efforts to “restore” ADOR would be futile. With that, she bid farewell to her position.
NewJeans Takes the Ultimate Step: Leaving ADOR
The drama reached its peak on November 28, when NewJeans made the bold decision to sever all ties with ADOR. At an emergency press conference, they announced that they were terminating their contract with the company. Despite ADOR’s attempts to counter their claims, the group insisted they would retain the NewJeans name, even if it meant facing legal challenges. ADOR fired back, maintaining that NewJeans was still under contract.
What Lies Ahead for NewJeans?
As things stand, NewJeans’ future is uncertain. Legal battles are expected to take place and the group’s next steps remain unclear. Will they continue as an independent entity, or will they partner with a new agency? Fans are left in suspense.