Dispatch has released a report alleging that former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin was the key figure behind NewJeans’ decision to terminate their exclusive contract, while also claiming she sought external investors from Japan and China.
According to Dispatch, the press conference held on November 28, 2024, in which NewJeans announced the termination of their contract, was allegedly orchestrated by Min Hee Jin. The outlet claims she personally drafted the script and required the members to memorize it in advance.
The report further states that in late 2024, amid financial difficulties, Min Hee Jin was introduced to Koh Kazumichi (73), a figure described as having aristocratic roots in Japan and significant influence in the Japanese motorsports industry. Dispatch claims Min Hee Jin arranged for NewJeans to travel to Tokyo to meet Koh, who is reportedly an avid fan of the group.
According to the investigation, NewJeans allegedly met Koh three times and even sent him birthday gifts and handwritten letters. A source close to the group was quoted as saying, “Min Hee Jin told them he was an important person. Although the members had some doubts, they prepared as she instructed.” Industry observers speculate that discussions regarding potential investment may have taken place during these meetings.
Dispatch also alleged that while NewJeans denied in court having a new agency or external intervention from Min Hee Jin, a performance contract for ComplexCon Hong Kong had already been signed in December 2024. The report claims Min Hee Jin and the members’ parents secretly signed the agreement but avoided including her name directly in official documents to prevent legal issues related to “artist poaching.”
In addition, Dispatch reported that Min Hee Jin allegedly connected with a Chinese investor—Bonnie Chan Woo, CEO of Complex China—to explore acquiring ADOR from HYBE. According to the outlet, Bonnie Chan previously proposed purchasing 80% of ADOR’s shares from HYBE for 400 billion KRW (approximately $300 million USD), on the condition of securing 100% management rights over NewJeans.
The report further claims that Min Hee Jin and Danielle’s mother discussed via text messages the strategy of citing “psychological instability” when working with ADOR to gain leverage in a lawsuit seeking to nullify the group’s exclusive contract.
Dispatch added that Min Hee Jin submitted her resignation from ADOR shortly before NewJeans publicly declared their departure, allegedly to avoid potential legal liabilities such as breach of trust.
In its conclusion, Dispatch asserted that Min Hee Jin’s actions did not cease voluntarily but were halted only after being exposed. The outlet framed the situation as one where Min Hee Jin remains largely unaffected, while NewJeans faces significant uncertainty.
As of now, no additional official response from Min Hee Jin, ADOR, HYBE, or NewJeans has been included in the report.
Sources: dispatch