Recent reports have stirred up controversy surrounding Min Hee Jin, CEO of ADOR, who is accused of improperly acquiring members of the popular K-pop group NewJeans from their former agency, Source Music. In response, Min Hee Jin has firmly denied the claims and announced plans to take legal action.
Allegations and Background
On July 23, 2024, Dispatch released an in-depth report detailing the behind-the-scenes struggles leading up to the formation of NewJeans. The report credits Source Music’s CEO, Seo Seong Jin, with discovering and recruiting the group’s members:
- Kim Minji was selected in 2018.
- Pham Hanni joined after a Plus Gobble Audition in November 2019.
- Kang Haerin was recruited from the streets in November 2019 and signed with Source Music in February 2020.
- Danielle, a former YG trainee, became part of Source Music in July 2020.
- Hyein was persuaded to join by Seo Seong Jin in January 2021.
Source Music initially aimed to debut the group in the third quarter of 2021. However, delays arose, partly attributed to Min Hee Jin’s alleged avoidance of meetings and failure to provide necessary materials, reportedly due to consultations with a shaman and significant investments during that time.
The report suggests Min Hee Jin contemplated leaving Source Music to start her own label, using Hybe’s resources to take NewJeans with her. Ultimately, Source Music transferred control of the group to Min Hee Jin’s new label, ADOR, in September 2021.
Min Hee Jin’s Response
Min Hee Jin has strongly denied these accusations. In an exclusive statement to YTN, she labeled the claims as false and indicated her intention to take legal action to address and counter the allegations.
