NewJeans, the flagship group of ADOR and one of the most successful 4th-generation K-pop groups, has been embroiled in controversy since a leadership dispute between ADOR’s former CEO Min Hee-jin and its parent company, HYBE, came to light. Below is a detailed timeline of events leading to the current crisis, including key developments and public responses from all parties involved.
(This is a developing story, and as such it will be updated as news breaks.)
A Detailed Timeline of How the NewJeans/ADOR Dispute Unfolded
NewJeans
April 22, 2024: Initial Conflicts Surface
On April 22, it was reported that HYBE began an audit into their sub-company ADOR, reportedly determine if there were efforts by CEO Min Hee-jin to break away from HYBE. HYBE said this was well within their rights, while Min countered saying that this was “absurd” and that it was due to allegations by her that ILLIT was mimicking NewJeans.
This led to leaked internal messages and publicized press conferences by both sides, signaling a breakdown in communication.
May 10, 2024: ADOR Accuses HYBE of Targeting ADOR’s Style Team Director; HYBE Alleges Embezzlement
ADOR accused HYBE of targeting style team director of embezzlement, and suggested the audit was overreaching with after-hours searches. HYBE countered suggesting timeliness was due to style director’s late arrival to work, and that they took profits outside of typical contractor relationship from third party companies.
May 14, 2024: HYBE Alleges Insider Training by ADOR Executives
On May 14th it was reported that HYBE sent a request to Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) to look into the possibilioty that Ador was involved in insider trading. According to reporting by The Korea Times, HYBE says that ADOR’s executives dumped stocks upon learning of the forthcoming audit. Min counters saying they were blindsided by the AUDIT.
August 27, 2024: Min Hee-jin Replaced
After internal restructuring at ADOR, Min Hee-jin is replaced as CEO by Kim Ju-young, HYBE’s former HR chief. Although HYBE claimed Min would continue overseeing NewJeans’ development, she contested this decision, citing unilateral terms imposed without negotiation.
Min later filed an injunction to prevent her removal, which she successfully won. However, HYBE continued to pursue alternatives, offering her a position on the board of directors instead of reinstating her as CEO.
September 11, 2024: Members Speak Out
Members of NewJeans captured from live video
NewJeans members take to a live video stream, directly appealing to HYBE to reinstate Min Hee-jin. They express support for their former CEO, with Danielle and Hanni alternating between Korean and English to address international fans. The video is quickly removed but widely shared by fan accounts.
Around the same time, Shin Wooseok, a member of the creative team behind NewJeans’ debut music videos, publicly criticizes HYBE for its treatment of Min. In a YouTube video, he accuses the company of harassment and describes a loss of trust due to dismissive behavior from the new leadership.
September 13, 2024: Legal Action by Min Hee-jin
Min Hee-jin files an injunction to secure her reappointment to ADOR’s board of directors. She later reveals that HYBE offered her a financial settlement to step down entirely, which she declined, stating her motivations were never about money but about ensuring the stability of NewJeans’ activities.
September 24, 2024: Emergency Meeting
An emergency meeting is held involving NewJeans members, their parents, and ADOR’s leadership. The meeting is called in response to growing fan outrage and public attention on the controversy.
September 25, 2024: Min Hee-jin and ADOR Statements
Min Hee-jin of ADOR
Min Hee-jin issues a formal statement accusing HYBE and ADOR of engaging in media manipulation to tarnish her reputation and undermine NewJeans’ achievements. She highlights “poisonous clauses” in proposed contracts that would jeopardize her ability to protect the group.
ADOR responds by reiterating that Min’s return as CEO is not viable. They offer her a producing role for NewJeans’ remaining contract term, emphasizing that their decision is final.
October 2024: Creative and Legal Challenges Continue
NewJeans’ production is halted amid the ongoing turmoil. Reports from Korean media reveal internal discussions suggesting HYBE instructed ADOR to downplay the group’s achievements. HYBE denies these claims, questioning the journalist’s ethics for leaking such information.
November 13, 2024: Certified Letter of Demands
NewJeans members submit a formal letter to ADOR, outlining their demands for Min Hee-jin’s reinstatement and improved transparency in management decisions.
November 27, 2024: ADOR Rejects Demands
As the deadline for addressing NewJeans’ demands passes, ADOR issues a public statement criticizing other HYBE subsidiaries for alleged mishandling of artist relations. They express “regret” over the group’s dissatisfaction but stand by their decision to exclude Min Hee-jin from the CEO role.
November 28, 2024: Contract Termination Announcement
NewJeans Emergency Press Conference Nov. 28th
In a dramatic press conference, NewJeans announces their intent to terminate their contract with ADOR, citing breaches of trust and unmet demands. Minji, speaking on behalf of the group, criticizes ADOR’s “tepid responses” and emphasizes the members’ unanimous decision to sever ties.
December 14th, 2025: NewJeans members create new IG account @jeanzforfree
After departing from ADOR and discontinuing the use of Hybe services like Phoning, which was previously used to engage with fans, the members launched their independent social media account, @jeanzforfree on Instagram. Through this platform, they have shared photos from photoshoots and travels, as well as hosted live chats to connect directly with their fans.
January 13th, 2025: ADOR Files Injunction Against NewJeans to Halt Third-Party Contracts
On January 13th, ADOR filed an injunction with the Seoul Central District Court to prevent NewJeans, who they claim remains under contract with the agency, from entering into third-party agreements without ADOR’s involvement. This includes advertising deals with various brands. (Read more.)
