NewJeans Members Submit Petitions to Court, Calling Min ′Mom′

NewJeans Members Submit Petitions to Court, Calling Min 'Mom': K-POP / 연합뉴스 / 2024-05-18 15:08:16

▲ Members of K-pop girl group NewJeans are seen in this undated file photo provided by ADOR. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, May 18 (Yonhap) -- In the ongoing legal dispute between Hybe and Min Hee-jin, CEO of ADOR, it has been confirmed that all five members of NewJeans have submitted petitions to the court.

According to the music industry on the 18th, the five members -- Danielle, Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein -- filed their petitions on the 17th, the date of the hearing for Min's request to prohibit the exercise of voting rights.

This marks the first time the members have made an official statement regarding the incident.

The specific content of the petitions remains undisclosed. However, given that the members have shown a strong bond with Min, whom they regard as a 'mother' since their debut, and that their parents have sided with Min, it is speculated that the members' petitions support Min.

▲ Min Hee-jin, CEO of ADOR, is seen in this file photo provided by the company. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Min claimed on November 22, when Hybe began an audit against ADOR, "After thorough discussions with NewJeans members and their legal guardians, I am making an official statement. Ironically, Hybe is the most severe threat to the cultural achievements of NewJeans." This suggests that both the members and their parents are aligned with Min.

Before this incident became public, the members' parents reportedly sent protest emails to Hybe management concerning the conceptual similarity between NewJeans and Hybe's other girl group, ILLIT. They also submitted petitions supporting Min in the current legal action.

During the hearing, Hybe criticized Min, stating, "Min Hee-jin shows no interest in protecting the artists. A true 'mother' would shield her children from all storms, but Min uses NewJeans members as shields to protect herself."

An ADOR extraordinary general meeting, where Hybe intends to replace ADOR's management, is scheduled for the 31st. Consequently, a ruling on the injunction is expected before this meeting.

With prominent figures like Hybe Chairman Bang Si-hyuk and NewJeans members voicing their positions through petitions, intense public opinion battles are anticipated until the court's decision.