NewJeans has courageously spoken out, voicing their opposition to the recent shakeup in ADOR's leadership. On August 27th, ADOR made the announcement that Min Hee Jin would relinquish her position as CEO, though she would retain her creative prowess as an internal director, shaping the group's content. However, on September 11th, the quintet stunned fans with a spontaneous live stream on YouTube, issuing a heartfelt plea for Min Hee Jin's reinstatement as CEO by September 25th.
"We've convened for this live broadcast with a purpose deeply rooted in our hearts," shared Hyein. "Our message today is a direct appeal to HYBE. We've had our voices heard within the company's walls, yet the aftermath suggests our sentiments fell on deaf ears."
Danielle, her voice filled with conviction, elaborated in English, "From our pre-debut days to every moment spent under CEO Min Hee Jin's guidance, we shared a profound synchronicity in our artistic vision. She empowered us to tackle each endeavor with unwavering sincerity, a quality that resonates in our work. Such unity stems from mutual trust and a shared aspiration—a bond that cannot be replicated. CEO Min Hee Jin isn't merely our musical architect; she's the cornerstone of NewJeans' identity, infusing us with our distinct hue and melody. She's irreplaceable in our world."
Hanni's narrative painted a poignant picture of an encounter that left a lasting impression. "I found myself alone in the corridor, when members of another HYBE group, accompanied by their manager, passed by. We exchanged warm greetings. Yet, moments later, as they retraced their steps, their manager instructed them, right in front of me, to 'ignore me.' The disregard was palpable, leaving me perplexed and hurt. When I shared this with our new CEO, her response felt dismissive, citing a lack of evidence and the passage of time. It was then that I realized we'd lost our champion, and our new leader's indifference left us feeling vulnerable and unheard. CEO Min Hee Jin always stood up for us; the new executives, on the other hand, offered mere excuses, claiming impotence in the face of such incidents."
Minji's contribution underscored the irreversible shift in dynamics. "Our new management vows to disentangle production from management, but we've always operated as a cohesive unit, unlike other labels. With Min Hee Jin stripped of her decision-making authority, how can we maintain the fluidity and harmony of our creative process?" Her words echoed the group's collective sentiment, painting a vivid picture of the group's unwavering allegiance to their former leader and the uncertainty that looms over their future.
Hanni's voice echoed poignantly in English, painting a vivid picture, "The erstwhile ADOR operated seamlessly, where business acumen and creative prowess intertwined like harmony in a symphony. It was a symphony that resonated beautifully, and it was just right. It was our modus operandi, the blueprint of our CEO's vision for NewJeans' content creation, cherished and admired by many. But now, with her departure as CEO, those harmonious elements have been dissected into disparate realms, a divide that feels unnatural."
Danielle chimed in, her tone laced with nostalgia, "As we've shared before, performing music crafted collaboratively with Min Hee Jin was our cherished dream, one we tirelessly pursued. Yet, that dream now hangs in the balance, and the future of our shared aspirations remains uncertain."
Haerin's words flowed deeply personal, "I cherish the individuals who've nourished my growth, mentally and emotionally, igniting a spark within me. Their presence is invaluable, yet I'm perplexed by the relentless external meddling that threatens to disrupt our sanctuary. Whether I must comprehend these forces remains a mystery."
Recalling the shock of Min Hee Jin's dismissal, Hyein's narrative was imbued with emotion, "The news of CEO Min Hee Jin's abrupt departure, conveyed through a news article on the very day, sent shockwaves through us. As HYBE artists, the company's unilateral announcement underscored a profound lack of respect. Amidst the confusion, we received word from our manager that our new CEO wished to address us, but the damage was already done."
As the broadcast drew to a close, the group's resolve solidified in a unified front. Hanni's voice was resolute, "We possess the agency to shape our responses, and we refuse to blindly follow HYBE's every dictate. We're acutely aware of the hindrances this poses to our work and the entitlement to far better treatment. It's incredulous to believe their sincerity in facilitating our collaboration with CEO Min Hee Jin amidst her legal quagmire, expecting her to orchestrate our future endeavors in mere months. Empty promises won't suffice. We yearn for this legal turmoil to be resolved, restoring our working environment to its former glory, where harmony reigned."
Hyein's plea was unwavering, "Restore CEO Min Hee Jin to her rightful place and rejuvenate ADOR to its former self, unmarred by unfamiliar faces and surroundings."
Danielle added a humanizing touch, "From a compassionate standpoint, cease harassing our CEO, Min Hee Jin. Her plight is heartrending, casting HYBE in an unflattering light. What lessons can we possibly glean from such an inhumane corporate culture?"
Minji concluded, her message both poignant and direct, "We aspire for the pristine ADOR, where Min Hee Jin reigns as CEO, where management and production are intertwined as one. This is the cornerstone of our coexistence with HYBE, averting conflict. If our voices have been heard, we implore Chairman Bang and HYBE to make the prudent choice: restore ADOR to its former glory by the 25th. Thank you for lending us your ears."
