All About Min Hee Jin: From SM Entertainment’s Creative Director To ADOR CEO; Know About The Mind Behind NewJeans, Connection With BTS V And More

Min Hee Jin, the creative powerhouse behind the girl group NewJeans which debuted in 2022, has recently been in the spotlight following her feud with HYBE Corporation. On April 22, 2024, HYBE requested Min's resignation as the CEO of ADOR amidst internal audit findings and allegations of her efforts to establish ADOR as an independent entity.

In response, Min refuted these claims, accusing HYBE Corporation and its subsidiary label, Belift Lab, of overlooking the similarities between NewJeans and ILLIT, a group that debuted under Belift Lab in March 2024. She claimed that HYBE and Belift had failed to address accusations of ILLIT copying the style and music of NewJeans.

However, it has been reported that she accused Bang Si Hyuk, the creator of BTS, of copying her and creating BTS. This accusation has not been received well by many netizens. Recent updates on the matter further reveal how Hee Jin formed NewJeans. A report from Dispatch reveals that NewJeans members were trainees under Source Music (LE SSERAFIM's label) before Hee Jin selected members and formed her own company. However, in another report, Dispatch cleared that ADOR had paid the training expenses to Source Music as it formed a new group under its name. 

On April 25, Min Hee Jin conducted a press conference and responded to several allegations made by HYBE. The feud does not seem to be coming to an end or a mutual resolution anytime soon. Meanwhile, NewJeans' comeback remains as per the previous schedule with HYBE releasing a statement that it will be providing "psychological support" to the artists for their smooth comeback in these stressful times.

On April 26, HYBE released a new press statement that addressed Min Hee Jin's allegations that the multi-label conglomerate did not allow for the promotion of NewJeans as LE SSERAFIM debuted as its first girl group and related matters. 

NewJeans released their new single Bubble Gum (MV) on April 27 KST amidst the fiasco and are receiving a lot of support from netizens. As of April 27, the feud between ADOR CEO and HYBE continues. 

Let's know more about ADOR's CEO.

From SM Entertainment to ADOR (ALL DOORS ONE ROOM):

Min Hee Jin currently serves as the CEO of ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation, where she previously held the position of chief brand officer. In mid-2022, it was reported that Bang Si Hyuk had offered Min the chance to become the CEO of an independent label. Min accepted the offer as it would allow her to have creative freedom in making music according to her own terms and conditions. And netizens have largely agreed to NewJeans' unique music and even promotion strategies. 

Min began her career at SM Entertainment (one of the big four companies when it comes to Kpop along with JYP Entertainment, YG Entertainment and HYBE labels) in 2002 as a graphic designer and later rose to the role of creative director. During her time at SM, she was responsible for the branding of iconic groups such as Girls' Generation, Shinee, f(x), Exo, and Red Velvet.

Known for her innovative and experimental approach to art direction, Min played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity of Kpop. She introduced a concept-driven visual direction that departed from the traditional style of first-generation Kpop idols. Min's work on f(x)'s 2013 album Pink Tape is particularly noteworthy for its artistic and conceptual depth.

In 2019, Min joined HYBE Corporation as Chief brand officer, overseeing the company's rebranding efforts. She was later appointed CEO of ADOR in November 2021. Under her leadership, ADOR unveiled its first girl group, NewJeans, in July 2022. Min played a crucial role in guiding the creative direction and development of NewJeans, which quickly garnered attention for their unique concept and sound.