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| ▲ Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin attends a press conference in Seoul on May 31, 2024, in this pool photo. (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Sept. 30 (Yonhap) -- Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, currently in conflict with HYBE, reiterated her intent to not step down from her position, stating, "There’s no point in doing this work if production and management are separated." Min, who was removed from her CEO position a month ago, made the remarks during a lecture at the "Da Vinci Motel" event hosted by Hyundai Card in Itaewon, Seoul, on the 27th.
"I will win this fight because I am not guilty," she declared, emphasizing that she has never expressed a desire to leave the company. Despite NewJeans members requesting her return, HYBE has not accepted this demand. Min expressed frustration with being asked to focus solely on production, stating, "If that was the plan, I wouldn’t have come to this company."
She also stressed, "You cannot create a crime where none exists. No matter how much people lie or exaggerate, the truth will eventually come to light." Min further clarified, "I have never once said that I would leave the company, and the NewJeans members who stand with me must also feel wronged."
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| ▲ Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin gives a lecture at Hyundai Card's 'Da Vinci Motel' in this photo captured from Hyundai Card's YouTube channel. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Min also revealed that the prolonged conflict has led to significant financial strain, disclosing, "So far, the legal fees have amounted to 2.3 billion won. I’m not as wealthy as people think, and I may have to sell my house to cover these costs." Her candid remarks, including a blunt declaration that she "must win," were met with applause from the audience.
Reflecting on her experience during a highly publicized press conference in April, she mentioned feeling hurt by how her statements were turned into memes, saying, "It was difficult and desperate, but it was turned into something humorous, which was hard to accept."
Min also addressed rumors of gaslighting NewJeans, dismissing them by saying, "People should experience working with me directly before making such accusations." Toward the end of the lecture, she hinted at the ongoing tension with HYBE, remarking, "Once that is resolved..."
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| ▲ Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin gives a lecture at Hyundai Card's 'Da Vinci Motel' in this photo captured from Hyundai Card's YouTube channel. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
She didn’t name specific companies but criticized the "system" within the K-pop industry, stating, "The system was designed for the convenience of those in power, but it does not foster growth in the industry." She described the rigid, factory-like systems in entertainment as a hindrance rather than a benefit.
The lecture, which lasted over two hours, exceeded its scheduled time of 1 hour and 40 minutes. Min surprised the audience by sharing a new demo track produced by music producer FRNK. She also reflected on her rebellious nature, saying, "I’ve always been a born rebel. When someone says not to do something, it makes me want to do it even more."
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