Uncertain Future for New Jeans Amid Controversy Over Min Hee-jin
The K-Pop landscape is experiencing an unexpected upheaval, centered on the popular girl group New Jeans and their former CEO, Min Hee-jin. Since their debut in 2022, New Jeans quickly captured global attention, celebrated for their nostalgic sound reminiscent of 90s R&B groups like TLC and En Vogue. However, the band's recent public dissatisfaction with their management has thrown their future into uncertainty.
Two weeks ago, New Jeans made waves during a surprise livestream on YouTube. For nearly half an hour, they voiced their grievances against their label, Hybe, specifically calling out the controversial removal of Min Hee-jin from her position. The group even issued an ultimatum, demanding that Min be reinstated by September 25. As that deadline passed without resolution, questions loomed over New Jeans’ next steps.
The group remains bound by a seven-year contract that extends until 2029, but they have expressed a clear reluctance to continue under the current circumstances. Terminating this contract prematurely would cost them a staggering 300 billion South Korean Won, equivalent to approximately £170 million. This situation is particularly unusual in the tightly controlled K-Pop industry, where artists’ decisions are meticulously managed.
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New Jeans' dissatisfaction has its roots in deeper issues at Hybe. Following the announcement of an internal audit at their subsidiary ADOR, accusations of corporate espionage against Min Hee-jin emerged. Hybe claimed she was involved in discussions to pressure them into selling ADOR’s shares, while Min argued that these allegations were retaliatory, stemming from her complaints about another Hybe act copying New Jeans’ identity.
After Min’s departure from the label, the New Jeans members openly shared their frustrations. In the days leading up to their livestream, they communicated their feelings of anxiety and disappointment regarding the ongoing management issues. This candidness culminated in a video titled “What New Jeans Wanted To Say,” in which they accused Hybe of creating a toxic work environment and reiterated their call for Min's reinstatement.
Despite the tension, New Jeans has continued their promotional activities, including a high-profile collaboration with Calvin Klein. Yet, as the drama unfolded, it became evident that their relationship with Hybe was at a breaking point. Following the ultimatum, Hybe issued a statement refusing to reinstate Min as CEO but allowed her to remain as a producer for New Jeans. The board claimed it would schedule a shareholder meeting to discuss her internal director role.
The response from New Jeans has been cautious, as the members have yet to openly comment on the new arrangement. The situation is precarious; if they choose to reject Hybe's terms, they may pursue legal avenues to escape their contract or pay a substantial penalty to sever ties with the label.
Fans of K-Pop and followers of New Jeans now watch closely as this high-stakes drama unfolds. The group's future hangs in the balance, with all eyes on how they will navigate the complex relationship with their management and the ramifications of their bold stand for independence and artistic integrity. Will they find a way to reclaim control of their careers, or will they remain entangled in the intricate web of the K-Pop industry? Only time will tell as New Jeans confronts this defining moment in their journey.
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