Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin made a rare public appearance this week, where she was inevitably asked about NewJeans and former member Danielle.
| ADOR
Speaking as a guest at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Min discussed her upcoming projects and views on AI before briefly addressing the ongoing situation involving the girl group.
1/ On Thursday, Ooak Records CEO Min Hee-jin came to our Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club as a guest speaker, where she spoke about her new boy group, her approach to AI, hinted at something to do with Japan, and very briefly touch on the Danielle/NewJeans situation. pic.twitter.com/xsweglbQXg
— Raphael Rashid (@koryodynasty) July 12, 2026
When asked about Danielle’s departure and the exclusivity dispute surrounding NewJeans, Min declined to comment directly. She explained that it was not her place to speak on the matter and said giving a more direct answer “could become a problem.”
At the same time, she criticized what she described as the one-sided nature of much of the media coverage surrounding the dispute.
Danielle | OMEGA
Min Hee Jin was then asked about reports regarding a possible NewJeans comeback.
I actually don’t know the facts accurately, so it’s hard for me to give an opinion. I can’t judge how much of the articles that have been circulating are actually true and how much isn’t.
— Min Hee Jin on NewJeans’ possible comeback
Min Hee Jin | The Korea Herald
Despite avoiding speculation, Min shared one wish for the members.
She said she hopes the label keeps its promise to treat the NewJeans members well if they return. She also voiced her hope that journalists will continue to watch closely to see whether that promise is fulfilled.
17/ She added that her one hope is that the label follows through on the promise it made to treat the NewJeans members well if they returned. She said she hopes journalists will watch to see whether that promise is kept.
— Raphael Rashid (@koryodynasty) July 12, 2026
Elsewhere during the event, Min spoke about the legal battles she continues to face. She said she has no intention of giving up, explaining that continuing to fight is part of a larger business “blueprint” she believes in. The CEO added that working on her new boy group has given her the motivation to keep moving forward despite the challenges.
14/ She said continuing to fight her legal disputes is itself a form of challenge she won’t give up on, because she has a business “blueprint” in mind that she believes justifies it. She said her new work is the driving force keeping her going through these challenges.
— Raphael Rashid (@koryodynasty) July 12, 2026
Although Min revealed little about NewJeans’ future, her careful words and hope that the members are treated well left many fans heartbroken, especially as uncertainty surrounding the group’s future continues.