The Fact Music Awards 2024: NewJeans faces backlash for praising ex-CEO Min Hee Jin in their award acceptance speech

At the 2024 The Fact Music Awards, K-pop girl group NewJeans won four awards: Artist of the Year, Popularity Award, World Best Performer, and Worldwide Icon. The group made their debut in July 2022 with the popular track "Attention" and is known for hits like "Hype Boy," "Ditto," "Super Shy," "OMG," "ETA," and many more.

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During one of their acceptance speeches, members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein thanked everyone, including Min Hee Jin, the former CEO of ADOR under HYBE Labels. This has not been well-received by many K-pop fans, especially since Min Hee Jin is under investigation for her handling of a sexual harassment incident at ADOR. Reports indicate that Min faces allegations of violating the Labor Standards Act and the Personal Information Protection Act.

In her speech, Danielle stated, "We truly love and thank CEO Min Hee Jin, who always cherishes and protects us." The other members clapped and nodded in agreement as Danielle spoke. While the group received significant support for their success on community forums, many expressed surprise and displeasure at their use of the title "CEO" for Min Hee Jin.

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Opinions were divided which also saw the girls facing criticism on X (formerly known as Twitter). Many also stated how unhealthy it is for young girls to be so dependent on Min Hee Jin and said the girls have been made to believe their success is also because of their CEO and not their own hard work.

What is happening to Min Hee Jin?

Min has alleged that HYBE, which holds an 80% stake in ADOR, dismissed her from her role as CEO without her consent. She was given sudden notice on August 24 about a board meeting scheduled for August 27, which she attended by phone. Her representative claims that her removal was a unilateral decision and constitutes a serious breach of the shareholder agreement.

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Over a thousand NewJeans fans sent a letter to HYBE demanding Min Hee Jin's reinstatement as CEO of ADOR. Currently, Kim Joo Young serves as the CEO of ADOR, and HYBE's newly appointed CEO is Lee Jae Sang. Consequently, Min has lost her position guarantee as ADOR's CEO until November 2026.

She could continue as NewJeans' in-house director and producer, however, Min Hee Jin later declined the new contract, citing unreasonable terms.

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