The HYBE music label is currently embroiled in an internal conflict with ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin. Both parties have aired each other’s mistakes and launched attacks. Amidst this turmoil, netizens speculated about GFRIEND‘s potential disbandment.
Blamed by netizens, Min Hee Jin finally addressed the accusations. She strongly denied being the cause of GFRIEND‘s disbandment. Read Min Hee Jin’s official statement below!
1. Accusation: Min Hee Jin blamed for GFRIEND’s disbandment
GFRIEND (twitter.com/GFRDofficial)Amidst the feud between ADOR and HYBE CEOs, accusations surfaced against Min Hee Jin regarding GFRIEND‘s disbandment. Netizens claimed Min Hee Jin covered training costs for Source Music but favored some trainees for debut under her label, ADOR.
Additionally, Min Hee Jin was accused of bringing former SouMu agency employees to work with ADOR, leading to the failure of GFRIEND‘s contract extension. However, GFRIEND disbanded for undisclosed reasons, though the members remain close.
2. Denial: Min Hee Jin refutes allegations
portrait of Min Hee Jin at a press conference on Thursday (25/4/2024) (youtube.com/newskbs)In an urgent press conference on Thursday (25/4/2024), Min Hee Jin denied any involvement in GFRIEND‘s disbandment, which occurred in 2021.
“I don’t understand why everyone blames me for their (GFRIEND) disbandment. I had no part in it; I solely focus on my work,” stated Min Hee Jin.
3. Explanation: Min Hee Jin clarifies NewJeans member recruitment
portrait of Min Hee Jin at a press conference on Thursday (25/4/2024) (youtube.com/newskbs)Min Hee Jin elaborated on the formation of the NewJeans group, which involved minimal trainees from Source Music. She explained that the quality of Source Music’s trainees at the time was not up to par, necessitating a new casting process.
“Out of Source Music’s trainees, there were few suitable candidates. There was only Minji. I hate to say it, but some were too old or needed more training, or didn’t fit my criteria,” explained Hee Jin.
She added, “Minji was much more attractive in her youth. I saw potential in her. However, due to the negative reputation of the label, it deterred auditions even before HYBE’s multi-label formation.”
The feud between Min Hee Jin and HYBE continues to escalate. Min Hee Jin’s statement regarding GFRIEND‘s disbandment has sparked debates among netizens.