Min Hee-Jin, the creative force behind NEWJEANS, is no longer CEO of ADOR. This announcement has sent shockwaves through the K-pop community, given her instrumental role in shaping the group’s unique identity and success.
ADOR released a statement indicating that the decision was made today following a board meeting. ADOR’s new CEO is Kim Joo-Young, described as “an HR expert who has various experiences in the industry”.
Despite being replaced as CEO, Min Hee-Jin will still retain control over NEWJEANS’ production as an “internal director”.
The statement added that ADOR would undergo an internal restructuring to separate both administration and production. This means that the CEO will no longer have creative control over the artists.
Questions surrounding Min Hee-Jin removal
Soon after the news was announced, questions were raised over the legality of the move. Some are accusing HYBE, ADOR’s parent company, of being behind Min Hee-Jin’s removal as CEO.
Min Hee-Jin has an ongoing case against HYBE in the form of an injunction to prevent them from removing her from the company. The sudden decision by ADOR’s board came just one day after the Seoul Central District Court rejected HYBE’s request to restrict access to the trial records of the injunction case.
Min Hee-Jin’s representative confirmed that she had been notified of the board’s impending action over the weekend. The representative added that the decision was made without Min Hee-Jin’s consent, and was “a violation of the shareholder’s agreement”.
What does this mean for NEWJEANS?
The K-pop industry is abuzz with speculation about the potential consequences for NEWJEANS now that Min Hee-Jin has stepped down from her role. Min Hee-Jin has been instrumental in shaping the group’s identity and success.
Fans worry that without Min Hee-Jin’s leadership, NEWJEANS could struggle to maintain their distinct identity. This concern is not unfounded, as K-pop groups often rely heavily on the vision of their management teams to guide their careers and artistic output. A new CEO might bring in different ideas and strategies, which may not be as effective as previous efforts.
Moreover, Min Hee-Jin’s departure could impact NEWJEANS’ future projects, including their music, visual concepts, and branding.
As fans await further news, many hope that the group can continue to thrive regardless of what changes may come.
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