Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin has once again been thrust into the spotlight amid the ongoing legal dispute between NewJeans and their agency, ADOR. A new report, published on July 4 KST by the Korean outlet Dispatch, alleges that Min was actively involved in planning and executing independent activities for the girl group while the conflict with ADOR was intensifying. The report cites conversations involving Min and her associates, along with materials presented during the third hearing of ADOR's damages lawsuit held on July 2.
Alleged Behind-the-Scenes Planning
According to the report, Min Hee-jin played a key role in arranging several of NewJeans' independent activities, including their appearance at ComplexCon Hong Kong and a series of profile photo shoots. The outlet claims that Min emphasized the importance of maintaining strict confidentiality throughout the preparation process. It further alleges that the expenses for these activities were covered using funds raised by the members' parents, rather than through ADOR's official budget.
This revelation adds a new layer to the already complex dispute between the group and their label. NewJeans, which debuted in 2022 under ADOR—a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation—quickly rose to fame with hits like "Attention," "Hype Boy," and "Ditto." Min Hee-jin, the creative visionary behind the group's distinctive sound and aesthetic, has been at the center of a power struggle within HYBE since early 2024. The conflict escalated when HYBE launched an audit into ADOR, alleging attempts by Min and her team to seize independent control of the group.
Dual Contract Allegations and Chinese Capital
The Dispatch report also alleges that Min Hee-jin explored potential contact and contractual arrangements with a company backed by Chinese capital. It claims that she attempted to facilitate a dual-contract arrangement, which would allow NewJeans to operate independently from ADOR while still technically being under contract. Such a move would be highly unusual in the tightly regulated K-pop industry, where exclusive contracts are standard.
Dual contracts, often referred to as "shadow contracts," have been a point of contention in previous K-pop disputes. If proven true, this could represent a serious breach of trust between the artist, the management, and the parent company. However, the report's claims have not been independently verified, and legal experts caution that such allegations require concrete evidence before any conclusions can be drawn.
Legal Strategy and the Livestream
One of the most significant allegations in the report concerns the livestream conducted by NewJeans members in September 2024. During that broadcast, the members expressed frustration with ADOR and hinted at their desire for greater creative control. The Dispatch report claims that this livestream was part of a broader legal strategy devised by Min Hee-jin and her legal team in preparation for future lawsuits. The outlet alleges that the timing and content of the livestream were carefully planned to bolster the members' legal standing in any potential contract termination disputes.
If accurate, this would undermine the narrative that the members acted spontaneously out of genuine dissatisfaction. Instead, it would suggest that Min and her associates were strategically positioning the group for a legal battle well in advance. The report further claims that Min remained publicly dismissive of tampering allegations—accusations that she had attempted to poach NewJeans from ADOR—despite allegedly being aware of them behind the scenes.
Danielle's Mother and Secret Recording
The report also highlights the involvement of Danielle's mother in discussions related to the group's independent activities and legal response. It claims that she participated in planning meetings but did not disclose those circumstances during subsequent meetings with ADOR representatives. This lack of transparency has been cited as a reason for the agency's decision to file a damages lawsuit specifically against Danielle, her mother, and Min Hee-jin.
ADOR recently alleged in court that Danielle secretly recorded a song as part of unauthorized independent activities while still under contract. The agency claims that Danielle and her mother attempted to conceal an alleged dual contract and breached the label's trust. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for July 23, where more evidence and testimonies are expected to be presented.
The Broader Context of the ADOR Dispute
The conflict between ADOR, HYBE, and Min Hee-jin has been one of the most closely watched sagas in K-pop in 2024. Min, who previously served as ADOR's CEO and creative director, was removed from her position in April 2024 following allegations of attempting to split the subsidiary from HYBE. She has consistently denied these allegations, framing the dispute as a clash between artistic integrity and corporate greed.
NewJeans, meanwhile, has continued to release music and perform, but the uncertainty surrounding their contract status has raised questions about their future. Fans have taken sides, with some supporting Min Hee-jin's vision and others calling for the group to remain under ADOR's management. The legal proceedings have also drawn attention to the power dynamics within K-pop's major labels, where creative freedom often conflicts with commercial obligations.
Industry observers note that the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how K-pop groups navigate disputes with their agencies. If the courts side with ADOR, it may reinforce the exclusivity clause in standard contracts. Conversely, if the members are allowed to pursue independent activities, it could encourage other artists to seek more autonomy.
No Official Response
As of this writing, neither Min Hee-jin nor representatives for NewJeans have publicly responded to the latest claims. The allegations published by Dispatch remain unverified, and the outlet's methods have been criticized for relying on anonymous sources and leaked documents. In past instances, Dispatch has been known to break major scandals in the K-pop industry, but its reports have also been met with legal challenges.
Min Hee-jin's legal team has not issued a statement regarding the new allegations. Similarly, ADOR has declined to comment beyond what has already been presented in court. The situation remains fluid, with both sides likely preparing for the next court date on July 23.
The Role of Parents in K-pop Contract Disputes
The involvement of Danielle's mother in the alleged independent activities highlights a unique aspect of K-pop contracts: the close relationship between artists, their families, and management. In many cases, parents act as informal guardians who oversee their children's careers, especially when the artists are minors. However, when disputes arise, parents often find themselves in a delicate position, balancing loyalty to their children with contractual obligations.
In this case, the report alleges that Danielle's mother participated in strategic discussions without informing ADOR, which the agency claims constitutes a breach of trust. Legal experts suggest that if the allegations are proven, it could weaken the girls' legal position by demonstrating a pattern of secrecy and coordination outside official channels.
Financial Implications and Fan Reactions
The financial aspects of the alleged independent activities are also noteworthy. According to the report, expenses for ComplexCon and other projects were covered by the members' parents. This suggests that Min Hee-jin and the parents were willing to invest personal funds to maintain the group's public presence during the dispute. Such financial commitment indicates a high level of trust and coordination between Min and the families.
Fans of NewJeans, known as Bunnies, have reacted with a mix of support and concern. Many have taken to social media to express their solidarity with the members, while others have urged caution until more evidence emerges. The case has also sparked broader conversations about the treatment of artists in the K-pop industry, particularly regarding their ability to participate in independent projects.
As the legal drama unfolds, the future of NewJeans remains uncertain. The group's members have shown resilience by continuing to engage with fans through social media and occasional performances, but the cloud of litigation hangs over their activities. For now, the industry watches closely, waiting to see whether the court will side with ADOR's corporate structure or Min Hee-jin's vision of creative independence.
The July 23 hearing will be a critical moment in this saga. Until then, the allegations remain unsubstantiated, and all parties are likely to maintain their public silence. Whether the report's claims will hold up under legal scrutiny remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the story of NewJeans, Min Hee-jin, and ADOR is far from over.
Source:MSN News