Min Hee-jin Shifts Blame in NewJeans Dispute, Targeting Member's Family and Market Conspirators

Representatives for former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin have identified the paternal uncle of a NewJeans member, Mr. Lee, as the true mastermind behind the "NewJeans tampering" allegations. Attorney Kim Sun-woong held a press conference on the 28th, claiming Min is not responsible for the conflict but is rather a victim of stock market manipulators. Kim stated that the dispute stems from management values, not greed. He claimed Min was previously unable to respond because a member’s family was involved. "Conspirators used Min and the members to secure profits in a 'fraud against the public,'" Kim asserted. He added that a family member close to HYBE’s core management exploited Min’s situation to plan the tampering and bring in market manipulators. The legal battle has intensified since NewJeans notified ADOR of their contract termination in late 2024. After losing a lawsuit to confirm the validity of that termination, members Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni returned to ADOR. Minji is currently negotiating her return. However, ADOR terminated Danielle’s contract, citing an inability to continue working with her. Furthermore, ADOR has filed a 43.1 billion KRW (approx. $32 million) damages lawsuit against Danielle, her family member, and Min Hee-jin. Danielle has appointed legal counsel to contest the suit. Min’s side maintains she even offered to waive her shareholder rights to ensure the group’s return, only to be undermined by these external "tampering" forces.