Recently, a heated controversy erupted over Min Hee-jin’s participation in NewJeans‘ production and her choice to depart from the group’s creative leadership. While some fans understand her choice to quit HYBE and pursue other opportunities, many believe it was not the best decision for the group’s future, especially given how successful NewJeans had become under her leadership. Here’s a synopsis of the conversation.
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The Decision to Leave: A Misstep?
Min Hee-jin, noted for her inventive producing skills, was at the head of NewJeans, helping to shape their distinct image and sound. However, suspicions spread that she was being pressured and monitored by HYBE. While it’s natural that she wants to expand out and work on her own projects, many fans questioned whether departing at this point was a good decision for both her and NewJeans.
Min Hee-jin :the Compromise that Could Have Been
HYBE apparently offered Min Hee-jin a production role rather than a managerial position, and many are surprised that she declined. Bang Si-hyuk, who left management to focus more on production, could have offered Min Hee-jin a similar agreement, granting her creative independence while still benefiting NewJeans’ success.
Some fans claimed that Min Hee-jin should have accepted the new job in the firm rather than leaving the group at the height of its success. They stressed that by rejecting the compromise, she may have wasted an excellent opportunity to remain associated with NewJeans while working on her own personal projects.
kFan Reactions
A user posted the following, sparking a controversy among online fans:
“Min Hee-jin’s choice to depart NewJeans and the firm was unexpected, especially given the group’s success. I can’t help but think she could have stayed involved without leaving everything behind. Maybe HYBE’s offer wasn’t perfect, but could she have made a compromise instead of walking away? “What do you think?”
Following this post, numerous fans responded with their opinions:
- “Some people may be complaining about Min Hee Jin’s resignation, but let me say that her official term ended on November 1st. She was just an executive whose term expired. Honestly, after November 1st, whether Min Hee Jin started her own company or joined another one wouldn’t have been a big issue. Even executives from companies like Samsung, when their terms are about to end, are often scouted by other large or mid-sized companies. But it seems some people think Min Hee Jin was leaving HYBE before finishing her term.”
- “Judging by the negative reactions and the comments, it seems these people are not getting it. They may only come to their senses when a clear verdict is handed down in the trial. There’s no answer to them.”
- “Honestly, if Min Hee Jin stayed with Ador until New Jeans could avoid being involved in the dispute and kept them protected, it would help her in the HYBE trial. Several lawyers say that. Honestly, if she had continued pushing for a better position, salary raise, or 26 billion won payout, she could have gotten all that from HYBE. If she stayed with Ador and protected New Jeans, she wouldn’t have declared the contract termination. New Jeans would have stayed with Min Hee Jin and Ador until the contract ended, and Ador would have done well.”
- “Even though Min Hee Jin’s actions may have been controversial, I still want to recognize her talent in producing. It’s just a waste that such talent is being wasted.”
- “HYBE may have reduced Min Hee Jin’s status within the company, but they are still guaranteeing her the same salary and incentives she received as CEO, and her position as a producer is also secure. Despite that, she still chose to leave. There’s no way to stop her now. Honestly, no one is blaming Min Hee Jin for leaving HYBE.”
- “If she was greedy for money, she would have exercised her put option and filed a lawsuit for 700-800 billion won in damages. But when she quickly sued for 260 billion won in November and left Ador, it seems like Min Hee Jin was trying to get out quietly without causing much noise after receiving the notice of termination of the shareholders’ agreement in early July. She only wanted the non-compete clause removed in the amendment to the initial agreement.”
- “The reason they keep holding on to the advertisements is because of money. But there’s nothing directly related to sales, so they can’t renew their contract. It’s all about the fan base. The people who worship Min Hee Jin seem to have lost their minds.”
- “If it weren’t for money, this conflict wouldn’t have happened. The real issue is money. There’s nothing directly connected to the revenue, so the contract wasn’t renewed.” Comment: “If Min Hee Jin was really doing this for New Jeans, she would have stayed at Ador and fought for them instead of leaving. When you leave HYBE, it means you’re giving up on New Jeans. I’m not okay with it.”
- “If Min Hee Jin had just kept her promise and stayed with Ador, fighting for New Jeans, it would have been much better. But instead, she left HYBE to start her own thing. It’s disappointing that she didn’t stay to support New Jeans.”
- “Honestly, Min Hee Jin is doing this for her own benefit, not for New Jeans. She doesn’t owe them anything. If she left HYBE, New Jeans would eventually find their way, but the problem is that Min Hee Jin could have stayed longer to protect them.”
- “It’s too late for Min Hee Jin to start planning for New Jeans. She should have been more cautious. The moment she faced tempering, the chances of a lawsuit increased. If she had prepared slowly, without rushing into it, it would have been better.”
- “I understand why Min Hee Jin stuck with Ador, but if you look at the comments from her fans, they’re not really understanding her position.”
- “Honestly, Min Hee Jin’s greed made the situation worse. If she had agreed earlier, New Jeans could have become a legendary girl group.”
