The Korea Entertainment Management Association (“KEMA“) has issued a statement regarding the dispute involving former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and the group NewJeans.
The Special Commission on Sanctions, Coordination, and Ethics (hereafter “Sanctions Committee”) of the KEMA stated on the 3rd, “In response to recent media reports concerning alleged tampering related to the group NewJeans and the ensuing dispute, we recognize that this issue seriously threatens the foundation and trust system of South Korea’s popular culture and arts industry,” conveying their official stance.
KEMA commented, “This dispute is a matter that should never have occurred, as the entertainment industry, being a specialized sector, is built on fierce competition and survival principles where human relationships of trust ought to transcend fairness or vested interests. Upon closer examination, however, this case is recognized as a grave problem that could shake the industrial foundation of management agencies, and is also identified as a nonconforming practice within the industry. Given these facts, the Sanctions Committee of KEMA cannot remain silent and believes that rather than ignoring this, it is imperative to address and drive necessary change against unfair practices in the industry.”
Specifically, regarding reports that former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin was involved in terminating contracts with NewJeans, KEMA stated, “If these reports are true, such actions would be considered a disruption of order violating the principle of good faith, undermining the sound morals and development of the entertainment industry. We express deep concern and regret over this.”
They continued, “If it is true that the former entertainment company CEO involved in this dispute intervened behind the scenes in the termination of artists’ contracts and participated in the procedures, this constitutes one of the most chronic illegal and unfair acts in the entertainment industry, a typical case of tampering. In this regard, Min Hee Jin must provide a clear explanation, and if these actions are confirmed, she must take appropriate responsibility and issue an official apology.”
KEMA also emphasized, “The legal dispute between HYBE and Min Hee Jin should not be reduced to a personal conflict or financial issue. If the matter is swept under the rug to avoid external image damage while incomplete, it could deter new initiatives, investments, and the overall contract integrity and trust in the K-entertainment industry. This would destabilize contracts and systems, making it difficult for any contract or system to function reliably.”
Finally, “The Sanctions Committee of KEMA will respond to this dispute not based on legal interpretation but from the standpoint of basic social conventions and maintaining industry order, to ensure legitimacy and support the authentic establishment and systematic development of popular culture. As part of our commitment to creating a high-quality entertainment management system, if unfair practices have occurred, we will work actively to prevent recurrence and safeguard public interest by voicing this position. To foster a healthy environment where cultural and artistic workers can work with sound beliefs, the tampering allegations related to NewJeans must be thoroughly investigated and resolved.”
Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin has been accused of involvement in NewJeans members’ departure, and amidst an ongoing contract period between NewJeans and ADOR, of attempting tampering by contacting another company. ADOR has filed a damages lawsuit seeking approximately ₩43.1 billion KRW (about $29.6 million USD) against Danielle, one family member of Danielle, and former CEO Min Hee Jin. Danielle has also appointed legal representatives and submitted a power of attorney to the court, preparing for a direct legal response.