Introduction

In a shocking twist for the K-pop industry, former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin is embroiled in a scandal following allegations of attempting to poach NewJeans, the girl group she famously helped to establish. This comes as Min is already defending herself against several lawsuits linked to subsidiaries of HYBE Labels.

Allegations of Tampering

The accusations were brought to light on Thursday by Davolink Chairman Park Jung-kyu, who claimed in an interview with local press that Min had engaged in "tampering" during a discussion last year. In Korean sports vernacular, "tampering" refers to the ethically dubious act of wooing talent from rival organizations — a practice that can put reputations and careers on the line.

Rumors and Denials

Rumors began circulating last November, indicating that Min and the NewJeans members were negotiating new exclusive contracts, with substantial backing from Davolink. Despite Min's initial denial of these claims — labeling them “entirely false” — Chairman Park has now condemned her dismissal as a "blatant lie." He recounted a three-hour meeting where they allegedly discussed investment strategies for enticing NewJeans to break away from Ador.

Details of the Meeting

Park asserted that Min approached him in August seeking investment, and during a subsequent discussion in September, she hinted at the possibility of taking NewJeans with her if she left Ador. Coincidentally, just months later, Min stepped down from her director position at Ador in November. Shortly after her departure, the NewJeans members held an emergency press conference announcing the abrupt termination of their contracts with the company.

Legal Implications

While speculation around this unfolding drama continues, reports indicate that differing investment approaches ultimately derailed Min’s collaboration with Davolink. If these allegations are substantiated, such actions could signify a significant breach of Min's fiduciary responsibilities while at Ador — initiating discussions about transferring a group under contract without proper authorization could lead to serious legal repercussions.

Disparaging Remarks

Adding to the intrigue, Park disclosed that during their meeting, Min allegedly made disparaging comments about HYBE's Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, reportedly calling him a "pig" despite it being their first encounter.

Ongoing Legal Battles

Min’s legal troubles are intensifying, as she faces her first court hearing on Friday concerning lawsuits filed by HYBE subsidiaries Belift Lab and Source Music. Belift Lab has accused her of defamation and obstructing business operations, claiming she falsely asserted that their rookie girl group ILLIT copied NewJeans’ concept. Meanwhile, Source Music is taking legal action over Min’s allegations that it plagiarized her strategies for launching girl groups.

NewJeans' Future

As this controversy unfolds, the fate of NewJeans hangs in the balance. Following their chaotic press conference in November that led to their decision to withdraw from Ador, the group has stopped using their official name and has even ventured into creating a new social media presence independently.

Ador's Response

In reaction to their actions, Ador has filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court to affirm the validity of their exclusive contracts with the five members, insisting that their legal agreements remain intact. With multiple lawsuits and shifting loyalties, the K-pop world will be watching closely as this saga continues to develop. Stay tuned, as the drama unfolds!