Amid the legal battle between Korean entertainment company HYBE and Min Hee-jin, former CEO of ADOR, the agency that manages group NewJeans, fans of BTS have issued a statement opposing her reinstatement.
HYBE is the parent company of BTS, NewJeans and other K-pop groups.
Last Sept. 11, NewJeans held a live broadcast on YouTube demanding and giving an ultimatum to HYBE to reinstate Min Hee-jin as ADOR CEO by Sept. 25.
Former CEO of ADOR Min Hee-jin (HYBE)
NewJeans during the live broadcast to demand the reinstatement of Min Hee-jin (Screenshot from YouTube video)
BTS (Big Hit Music)
The ADOR board of directors removed Min Hee-jin as CEO of the agency in a meeting held on Aug. 27.
On Sept. 14, BTS’ Jungkook posted on his dog’s Instagram account, “Artists are not guilty” and “Don’t use them,” which were interpreted as related to the NewJeans issue.
Replying to a query by Manila Bulletin about Jungkook’s posts, Big Hit Music, BTS’ agency, said, “JungKook posted it because he believed that under no circumstances should a young artist be involved in a dispute or used as a shield."
The hashtag #MinHeeJinOut trended on Twitter.
BTS Armys issued a statement dated Sept. 16, saying that they are opposing Min Hee-jin’s return as ADOR CEO.
Here is the full statement from BTS ARMYs posted on X:
“As members of the BTS ARMY community, we would like to share our perspective on the ongoing management situation through this statement as we are witnessing false narratives being spread on our behalf.
“First and foremost, we express our unified opposition to the reinstatement of Min Hee-jin as the CEO of Ador, a subsidiary of HYBE. We remain cognizant of the previous CEO's actions against BTS during their military enlistment, her consultations with a shaman intending harm against BTS, and her strategies to manipulate the Korean media against both BTS and the ARMY.
“In light of these circumstances, we must view all media narratives and accusations directed at BTS--particularly those implying their support for Min Hee-jin--as unfounded and part of her agenda. We recognize that BTS may currently lack the freedom to express their views openly, which reinforces our position. We urge former CEO Min Hee-Jin to stop using artists and fandoms as shields to spread her agenda and lies through the media.
“To our fellow ARMY members, we urge you not to place your trust in the Korean media. As previously reported, there were indications that the media would be used to circulate multiple narratives against BTS during their enlistment, with a clear plan to do it prior to their discharge in 2025, and we are witnessing this unfold.
“We caution ARMY that this also applies to causing harm to those connected to BTS, including their families, label, friends, activities, and more.”
The statement by BTS ARMYs (X)