On September 11 2024, NewJeans held an urgent live broadcast titled, “What NewJeans Wants to Say” on their newly launched YouTube channel, nwjns. NewJeans expressed their anger toward HYBE, the parent company to their agency, ADOR. Group’s oldest member Hanni shared her worst experience in her idol life where she encountered them in the hallway near the makeup rooms. Hanni mentioned that after reporting this incident to ADOR’s current CEO, Ju Young Kim, she was told there was no evidence supporting her claim.
” There’s hair and makeup rooms on the 4th floor of the building. It’s a space frequented by other artists and staff. Anyway, I was waiting alone in the corridor then, and another group and one of their managers passed by me. We greeted each other well then. But when the group came out again with the manager, the manager said, ‘Ignore her.’ Right in front of me. I can see and hear everything, but the manager said ‘Ignore her.’ I don’t know even now, why I had to go through that. It leaves me speechless. “
NEWJEANS Response
Member Hyein started by saying: “It hasn’t been long since the CEO was dismissed. And it was so hard to see our staff work hard with us under pressure and unfair demands”.She added that it was “frustrating” for the group to just watch by the side. “I am also so worried for the future of the five of us,” the 16-year-old remarked.To the band, it’s a matter of life.
So rather than sitting down and doing nothing, they wished to tell the story themselves.On this topic, member Haerin also briefly mentioned about how their information, including “private things like medical records” was made public.
“In a label that is supposed to protect us, they allowed these materials to be shared, I really didn’t understand [that]”.As a result, she can’t help but worry that such information of theirs, or “false facts” may circulate again.
In sum, member Minji said that prior to NewJeans’ debut, she had some doubt and wariness with the adults she worked with. But she had more faith in Min Hee-jin, who opened her heart to them. “I liked working with the CEO, and so did the members too,” she stated. Bandmate Danielle added that it was “natural” to have the intent to want to be together with Min.
“They’re (HYBE) not a normal company.”
“They say they protect their artist only with words.”
“I hope HYBE goes under.”
“It doesn’t make sense that the CEO of Source Music, who was involved in a lawsuit against Min Hee Jin, became the CEO of NewJeans.”
“NewJeans should just leave the company.”
Toward the end of the broadcast, Danielle stated, “We want to return ADOR to its original state. We’re not asking for anything more than that. We believe everyone should simply do their jobs well in their respective roles. We hope our request is granted.”
Following the emergency live stream, Korean netizens expressed concern for NewJeans and commented:
“They’re (HYBE) not a normal company.”
They say they protect their artist only with words.”
“I hope HYBE goes under.”
“It doesn’t make sense that the CEO of Source Music, who was involved in a lawsuit against Min Hee Jin, became the CEO of NewJeans.”
“NewJeans should just leave the company.”
“Why are they requesting HYBE to return CEO Min Hee Jin?”
“If they want to continue working with Min Hee Jin, I think it’s only right that they leave the company.”
“They were gaslit so bad. This seems like FIFTY FIFTY number 2. I saw articles on what happened with FIFTY FIFTY and Ahn Sung Il guy and it’s so crazy.”
“HYBE is torturing NewJeans until the end. What are they protecting?”
“They deserve to be treated better.”
“I hope everything works out for them.”
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