Min Hee Jin's Keynote Speech at the 2024 Hyundai Card Da Vinci Motel

In a riveting keynote speech at the 2024 Hyundai Card Da Vinci Motel on September 27, former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin spilled the secrets of her illustrious career in the K-pop industry, focusing particularly on her tenure at both SM Entertainment and HYBE.

Min's Experience in the K-pop Industry

Min, who has become a prominent figure in the industry, didn't hold back in sharing her experiences working with key players at both companies. She expressed deep gratitude towards her former boss, Lee Soo Man, who had placed significant trust in her talents.

The Mastermind Behind Iconic Logos and Slogans

In a bold revelation, Min asserted that she was the mastermind behind the iconic logos representing both SM Entertainment and HYBE.

But that’s not all—Min also claimed credit for crafting HYBE’s popular tagline, "We believe in music." “Though I didn’t come up with the name HYBE, I created the slogan with the intention of encapsulating the spirit of each label,” she explained, showcasing her profound understanding of branding in the music industry.

Merging Art with Commerce

Additionally, Min discussed her philosophy of merging art with commerce. “While I understand that there are financial considerations in the business, my vision has always been to blend artistic integrity with commercial success,” she stated firmly. This perspective is particularly relevant as HYBE's flagship group, NewJeans, rakes in significant profits, demonstrating the potential success of this artistic approach.

Min's Journey with HYBE and Recent Developments

Min’s journey with HYBE began in 2019 when she joined as Chief Branding Officer, playing a crucial role in the company’s transformation from Big Hit Entertainment into a multi-label powerhouse. She was appointed CEO of ADOR in 2021, yet her relationship with HYBE deteriorated earlier this year, culminating in her termination. Despite an alleged offer from ADOR to compensate her fairly, Min declined, claiming that HYBE was attempting to buy her out.

The Ongoing Power Struggle

As the battle between Min Hee Jin and HYBE intensifies, the music industry is left abuzz with speculation over what this means for both parties. Will this power struggle change the dynamics within K-pop? Stay tuned for more updates!