Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of Ador, has denied allegations that she orchestrated the termination of K-pop girl group NewJeans’ exclusive contract with the HYBE sublabel.
In a statement released on Monday, Min’s representatives clarified that she has filed defamation complaints against two current and former HYBE executives, Park Ji-won and Park Tae-hee, as well as two reporters from Dispatch.
Min accuses the HYBE executives of illegally obtaining private conversations and spreading false claims to tarnish her reputation. The two Dispatch reporters, identified as Kim and Park, are also accused of publishing malicious and unfounded articles with the intent to defame her.
The controversy stems from a Dispatch report that claimed Min was the “hidden hand” behind several incidents involving NewJeans. These included a September live broadcast where the group requested Min’s return as CEO of Ador, as well as the group’s recent parliamentary appearance and press conference announcing the termination of their contract.
Dispatch also raised suspicions that Min may have engaged in premature contract negotiations while still affiliated with Ador, further fueling speculation around her involvement in the group’s departure from HYBE.
Min’s representatives have vehemently denied these claims, calling the Dispatch report “completely untrue” and accusing the journalists of basing their articles on unverified facts and personal speculations.
The allegations have heightened tensions surrounding NewJeans’ ongoing dispute with Ador over their contract termination.
