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| yna@yna.co.kr 2024-08-14 06:47:33
SEOUL, Aug. 14 (Yonhap) -- Min Hee-jin, CEO of ADOR, a subsidiary under HYBE, has found herself embroiled in a contentious dispute with a former subordinate over allegations of workplace harassment and the alleged mishandling of a related report.
The former employee, who resigned from ADOR, has accused Min of attempting to cover up incidents of workplace harassment, while Min has countered that the allegations are largely unfounded and that the former employee’s actions are suspiciously timed to coincide with ongoing criticism against HYBE.
The former employee, identified as "B," recently took to Instagram to voice grievances, stating, "I reported the unjust directives and sexually inappropriate remarks of an executive, identified as 'A,' within ADOR to HYBE, providing substantial evidence." B alleged that A made inappropriate comments, such as saying, "It's better to have a young woman around than to have two men eating together," and subjected B to unwarranted reprimands.
B further claimed that Min Hee-jin actively defended A from the day the complaint was filed until the investigation concluded, adding that Min engaged in persistent character assassination. According to B, rather than investigating the veracity of the claims, Min sought to discredit the complaint by portraying B as an incompetent employee who caused disruptions and ultimately left the company before being dismissed.
B also took issue with Min’s decision to publicly share their private KakaoTalk conversations on Instagram, criticizing her for engaging in what B described as the very behavior Min has previously condemned, such as selective editing and sharing private messages without consent. B expressed dismay at the lack of an apology from Min, despite what B sees as a betrayal by someone they once worked closely with.
The controversy has escalated, particularly because A, the executive at the center of B’s allegations, is reportedly a close associate of Min Hee-jin. A was also linked to a document cited by HYBE in April, which was presented as evidence of an alleged attempt to seize control of the company. Following an internal investigation, HYBE concluded that A’s actions did not constitute workplace harassment or sexual misconduct, and B subsequently left ADOR.
In response to the growing public scrutiny, Min Hee-jin issued a detailed statement refuting B's claims. Min asserted that B was not a new employee but rather someone with seven years of experience and a salary comparable to that of an executive, amounting to 130 million won (excluding incentives), the highest in ADOR. Min contended that B’s work performance was disappointing, citing numerous errors in basic tasks that required correction by higher-ups, including Min herself.
Regarding the harassment allegations, Min maintained that A never made the alleged comments, arguing that B’s salary and experience level would preclude any reference to them as a "young woman." Min suggested that the situation involves conflicting accounts and that her involvement in the controversy is unwarranted. She pointed out that B’s sudden reappearance and public accusations, especially at a time when HYBE is under intense media scrutiny, raise suspicions about the motives behind the allegations.
Min concluded her statement by criticizing those she believes are attempting to tarnish her reputation by manipulating public sentiment. She called on these individuals to cease their "inhumane behavior," which she views as an orchestrated effort to exploit the situation and incite public anger for ulterior motives.
The dispute between Min Hee-jin and the former employee underscores the complex dynamics of power and accountability within corporate structures, particularly in the highly scrutinized entertainment industry. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how both parties will navigate the ongoing conflict and the impact it will have on their reputations and careers.
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