HYBE's newly appointed CEO, Lee Jae-sang, is set to calmly respond to the demands surrounding NewJeans, signaling a pivotal moment for the K-pop group.
During an extraordinary shareholders' meeting on September 12, Lee was officially appointed CEO, reaffirming his leadership role after previous stints in prominent positions at Hyundai Motor and Big Hit Entertainment. Following a live broadcast on September 11, he expressed a commitment to handle the situation with composure. This comes as NewJeans, an artist under HYBE's ADOR label, made urgent requests for the return of their former representative, Min Hee-jin.
In a live broadcast, NewJeans articulated their demands, including the reinstatement of Min Hee-jin, emphasizing a desire to revert ADOR to its original state. Member Haerin openly stated her unwillingness to conform to the current circumstances, while Hyein criticized HYBE's operational methods, urging for a return to the familiar environment of ADOR. Daniel highlighted the inhumane nature of the company's treatment towards Min, asserting the importance of compassion in the industry.
NewJeans insists on preserving what they call the “Min Hee-jin system” at ADOR, advocating for a collaborative environment combining management and production. Min Jimin stressed that achieving their goals without contention with HYBE is crucial and urged for a wise resolution by September 25. Meanwhile, HYBE has not yet issued an official statement regarding the unfolding situation.