ByeolKorea.com – A recent press conference held by former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin’s legal representatives has ignited a new wave of controversy in the ongoing K-Pop saga. Her side has made explosive claims, alleging that a NewJeans member’s family was deeply involved in the background of the so-called “NewJeans tampering” allegations.
Shocking Revelations at Emergency Press Conference
On the afternoon of January 28th KST, attorney Kim Sun Woong of law firm Jiam, acting as legal representative for former CEO Min Hee Jin, addressed the media in an emergency press conference at Challenge Hall in the Kyowon Jonggak Building in Seoul. Notably, Min Hee Jin herself was absent from the event, a point attorney Kim elaborated on with significant implications.
Regarding her non-attendance, attorney Kim stated, “There are issues involving the families of the NewJeans members,” hinting at sensitive and complex underlying factors. He further elaborated, “It is difficult to speak about those matters; after recently hearing certain things related to family relationships, there was something that caused considerable shock, making it difficult for her to appear.”
Min Hee Jin Denies Responsibility, Alleges Market Manipulation
At the press conference, Min Hee Jin’s legal team vehemently asserted her complete innocence regarding the alleged tampering issue, refuting any responsibility on her part. Instead, they claimed she was merely a pawn, “used by forces seeking to manipulate the stock market” for their own financial gain.
Central to these claims was the direct allegation that “a family member of one of the members is connected” to these manipulation efforts, adding a deeply personal and complicated layer to the ongoing dispute. This purported connection, according to Min Hee Jin’s side, made it exceedingly difficult for them to respond effectively at the time, prompting the necessity for this delayed press conference in light of recent developments.
Attorney Kim further claimed that attempts to exploit the members’ families extended even into the shareholder-related lawsuit between CEO Min and HYBE, showcasing a pattern of alleged manipulation. Under these extraordinary circumstances, Min Hee Jin’s representatives felt compelled to finally articulate their minimal position publicly.
Moreover, Kim asserted, “We have even discovered evidence that the ‘tampering’ narrative about Min Hee Jin taking NewJeans away was used by stock market collusion forces as a means to benefit themselves by using former CEO Min and NewJeans members.” This signals potential further revelations that could significantly impact the perception of the popular K-Pop group and its management.
NewJeans’ Contract History and Latest Legal Action
This intricate web of allegations unfolds against a backdrop of previous legal struggles involving the NewJeans members themselves. The five NewJeans members had previously declared the termination of their exclusive contracts with ADOR in November the year before last, citing a profound breakdown of trust.
However, in October last year, the court ultimately did not accept their claims, issuing a ruling that their exclusive contracts with ADOR would remain valid until July 31, 2029. This decision cemented their legal obligation to the agency, at least for the foreseeable future.
Following the court’s verdict, members Haerin and Hyein were among the first to return to ADOR, with Hanni also subsequently rejoining the agency. Minji is reportedly in ongoing talks with ADOR to finalize her return, indicating varied individual circumstances.
In stark contrast, ADOR has reportedly notified Danielle of her contract termination and removed her from the team, leading to further escalation. ADOR has now filed a significant lawsuit seeking approximately 43.1 billion KRW in damages and penalties against Danielle, one of her family members, and former CEO Min Hee Jin, underscoring the severity of the rift.
The Broader Impact on the K-Pop Industry
These latest allegations by Min Hee Jin’s side introduce a startling new dimension to an already complex and highly publicized legal battle within the fiercely competitive K-Pop industry. The claims of stock market manipulation and direct family involvement suggest a deeper, more insidious struggle at play, extending beyond simple contractual disputes. As further evidence is promised, the entertainment world watches closely for what revelations might emerge next, potentially reshaping understandings of industry ethics and artist management.
