NewJeans Stands Firm on CEO Reinstatement as Deadline Approaches

Sep 24, 2024

NewJeans Stands Firm on CEO Reinstatement as Deadline Approaches

NewJeans met with Kim Joo-young, the CEO of Ador. Attention is focused on whether NewJeans' demands will be met.

According to the music industry on the 24th, the members of NewJeans, along with their parents, had a meeting with Kim Joo-young, the newly appointed CEO of Ador, on the afternoon of the 23rd. This comes just two days before the deadline NewJeans had set for the 25th.

Details of the negotiation remain undisclosed, and it’s unclear what conclusions were reached. However, it is known that the NewJeans members maintained their position, requesting the return of former CEO Min Hee-jin.

On the 11th, NewJeans independently hosted a live broadcast where they spoke out about unfair demands and pressure from staff members following Min Hee-jin's dismissal as CEO of Ador. During the broadcast, Hanni shared an incident where a HYBE manager told another artist to ignore her, saying, "I didn’t understand why I had to go through such treatment." She added, "When I reported this to the new CEO, I was told there was no evidence, so I let it go."

The members expressed their plea: "Please don’t disrupt us. We want the CEO restored to Ador, and for things to return to the way they were. This is the only way to avoid conflict with HYBE. We hope Mr. Bang and HYBE will make a wise decision and restore the original Ador by the 25th."

NewJeans Stands Firm on CEO Reinstatement as Deadline Approaches

However, many believe that HYBE is unlikely to accept NewJeans’ demands. HYBE’s new CEO, Lee Jae-sang, who was formally appointed after NewJeans' broadcast, stated during an emergency shareholders' meeting, "It will take time, but we will respond calmly and in accordance with our principles. HYBE is a company that upholds its values and strives for quality management. This approach hasn’t changed. In the end, those who adhere to principles emerge as the winners."

Meanwhile, former CEO Min Hee-jin has filed for an injunction with the Seoul Central District Court, requesting the convening of an emergency shareholders' meeting to re-elect an internal director of the company.

olzllovely@sportschosun.com