HYBE’s Leadership Under Fire as Min Hee Jin Announces Resignation

Min Hee Jin, one of the architects of K-pop, stepped down officially from HYBE and ADOR. Her announcement on November 20th (KST) ended a dispute with the entertainment giant that had seen rounds of rumors since months. She confirms she had terminated the shareholders’ agreement with HYBE and stepped down as ADOR’s internal director.

It started in April 2024 when Min accused HYBE of carrying out illegal audits. She claimed these audits disrupted ADOR’s operations and caused a hostile work environment. Min expressed disappointment in HYBE, stating they had fabricated baseless claims against her.

She revealed that she had been working hard to safeguard ADOR and NewJeans from any damage. Min charged that HYBE had falsely accused her of “usurping management rights” and provided misinformation. According to her, the acts of HYBE were “reckless and unprecedented,” a stain on K-pop history.

Min said her whistleblowing e-mails in April revealed what she perceived as HYBE’s misbehavior and that she wished the company would show an attitude of remorse, instead of retaliating with fabricated allegations. According to Min, such an act by them demonstrated “ignorance and irrationality,” unbecoming of a major corporation.

The resignation has significant implications for ADOR and its flagship group, NewJeans. Known for their innovative music and global appeal, the group has stood by Min. On November 13, they demanded her reinstatement and the restoration of ADOR’s normal operations.

The members even threatened to cancel their contracts if their demands were not met. This move is rarely seen in the K-pop industry and points out how unhappy they feel with the leadership ADOR has today. Min expressed deep gratitude for their support and acknowledged the unwavering loyalty of their fans, who are referred to as Bunnies.

The row also includes continuing legal tussles between Min and HYBE. The K-pop star exercised equal rights to sell her ADOR shares earlier this year. HYBE earlier nullified their shareholders’ agreement, citing purported breaches of trust by Min. Min, on the other hand, denied the breaches and insisted the agreement was still valid.

She criticized the actions of HYBE and how they had ruined their reputation and character. Min termed the events of 2024 as an “unprecedented stain” in K-pop history. She then sorrowfully detailed how the basic decency and accountability that were expected from HYBE’s leaders never came.

Min’s departure has led to questions about corporate ethics and governance within the K-pop world. Her bold criticisms of HYBE underlined the tests put before executives at major entertainment corporations. Insiders and fans alike are wondering what such disputes portend for artists and the future of an industry now shrouded in uncertainty.

Despite all this, Min’s impact on K-pop is undeniably immense. Before moving to HYBE in 2019, she had already been a creative mainstay at SM Entertainment, shaping the concepts of legendary groups like Girls’ Generation, f(x), and EXO. At ADOR, she reimagined K-pop with NewJeans-a fresh approach that captured the hearts of global fans.

Min’s resignation also means the end of a significant chapter in her career, and her departure now leaves ADOR and NewJeans at an unprecedented crossroads. Fans are waiting with bated breath as to how ADOR adapts sans her leadership and creative direction.

In her concluding words, Min called for the industry to take responsibility and practice integrity. “One person’s ill will and actions should not define an entire industry,” she wrote. The quote was a jab at the nature of K-pop-and a call for different times.

As the story continues, Min’s next steps remain uncertain. Fans and industry observers alike are eager to see her future contributions. For now, her departure stands as a reminder of the challenges within K-pop’s corporate landscape.