On the morning of November 29, Min Hee-jin published a new Instagram story, which includes the song “Free As A Bird” by The Beatles.
The story was posted the immediate day after NewJeans held a press conference, declaring their contract termination with ADOR and insisting that they won’t be paying the penalty fee.
It seems that Min Hee-jin is making a discreet comment about the current status of NewJeans, who are now “Free As A Bird” from ADOR.
Meanwhile, previously on November 26, Min Hee-jin shared a post from NewJeans’ official account on her personal SNS. The post highlighted NewJeans’ 2025 Season’s Greetings, featuring a striking and artistic design. The shared post included a message, “Whenever you need a hand, call for us telepathically. The NewJeans fairies are always by your side. The Fairy Association is with you.“
Earlier on November 20, Min Hee-jin announced her resignation as an internal director at ADOR. In an official statement, she said, “I have terminated the shareholder agreement with HYBE and intend to hold them legally accountable for breaches of the agreement. I will pursue necessary legal actions regarding HYBE’s numerous illegal activities and those involved.”
Following the announcement, Min Hee-jin unfollowed both NewJeans‘ and ADOR’s official social media accounts. This appears to signify her clean break from HYBE, both professionally and on social platforms.
Shortly after announcing her resignation, Min Hee-jin shared the song “Free” by Deniece Williams, seemingly expressing her current emotions. She also posted an image of a cheerful rabbit character holding a paper that read “Resignation,” further capturing public attention.
Regarding her departure from ADOR, Min Hee-jin explained, “Since HYBE’s illegal audits began in April, I have endured a hellish seven-month-long conflict with HYBE. Throughout this, I have made every effort to uphold the shareholder agreement and restore ADOR to its original state. However, as HYBE continues to deny their wrongdoing and shows no signs of change, I have concluded that further efforts would be a waste of time.”
She further emphasized, “HYBE’s atrocities in 2024 will go down as an unprecedented issue in K-pop history. Their ethical negligence has reached its peak, and while their dirty media tactics may continue, I believe the public has become savvy enough to recognize their patterns. Nevertheless, if there are any groundless smear campaigns or media manipulations, I will respond firmly through legal action.”
Meanwhile, Japanese media outlet TV Asahi reported early on November 21 that Min Hee-jin had stepped down from her position as a director at ADOR.
TV Asahi reported, “According to the program’s investigation, many staff members who have supported the group’s activities are also expected to resign soon.”
This has led many netizens to speculate that staff members, often referred to as part of “Min Hee-jin’s team,” may be resigning from ADOR en masse.
Min Hee-jin will debut a new group soon?
Min Hee-jin’s actions have sparked various interpretations within the industry.
There is speculation that Min could be planning to create a new group with a new name other than NewJeans. This theory arises from her farewell statement, where she mentioned “I hope you will look forward to my new K-pop journey in the future”, hinting at upcoming projects.
Some interpret this as an indication that Min intends to work with the current NewJeans members under a different group name. However, if Min forms a new group and the current members terminate their contracts or pay penalties to leave ADOR, accusations of tampering could become unavoidable.
Source: Daum, Daum, Daum, Daum
