Why NewJeans 'went downhill' while Min Heejin 'survived'

SOURCE: 뉴진스는 ‘망했’는데, 민희진은 ‘회생’한 이유

NewJeans suffered a 'complete defeat,' but their so-called 'mother' Min Heejin (former CEO of ADOR, current CEO of OOAK Records) achieved a 'complete victory.' Some NewJeans' members were judged to have joined a planned media battle and now face lawsuits seeking hundreds of billions of KRW in penalties. Meanwhile Min Heejin, who was accused of making the plan, successfully recovered and secured 25.5 billion KRW from her 'put option.'

According to the first trial rulings of two separate lawsuits on the 23rd, the different courts for NewJeans' contract termination case (Civil Division 41) and Min Heejin's 'put option' case (Civil Division 31) reached different conclusions on the same issues and evidence, causing confusion.

■ The same ‘independence plan’: 'A planned trick' vs. 'Not a reason to strip hundreds of billions'

The main contradiction is how the two courts interpreted the Kakao Talk evidence containing Min Heejin's 'media battle plan.'

In the NewJeans case, the court focused on Min Heejin's alleged instruction for an executive to ghostwrite statements for the parents. She said, "It would be better if the mothers report it to the Fair Trade Commission," and "I don't actually care about improving punishments... The goal is the public announcement."

That court concluded that this was "Min Heejin's tampering is a pre-meditated planning for her own independence, not to protect NewJeans," and dismissed NewJeans' claims.

However, the court in Min Heejin's case saw it differently.

While acknowledging that Min Heejin's media play may have been improper, the court ruled that it was not a serious crime enough to take away her right to hundreds of billions of KRW. This court stated, "To break a shareholder agreement involving financial interests, such as a put option estimated at up to 100 billion KRW by 2025, there must be a 'serious violation,' not just a loss of trust."

The court viewed Min Heejin's independence plans as just 'private talk' that was never carried out or was based on getting HYBE's approval. Therefore, the court felt it was not a reason to revoke her 'put option.'

■ Subject of ‘betrayal’: 'NewJeans' sudden termination' VS 'HYBE's sudden media play'

The courts also disagreed on who broke the trust first.

The court for NewJeans' case called the group's sudden contract termination as 'an intentional act to worsen the conflict by creating the 'appearance' that the other side (HYBE) did something wrong in order to avoid penalties.' It found that NewJeans sided with Min Heejin's plan and unilaterally destroyed trust.

On the other hand, the court for Min Heejin's case pointed to HYBE as the party who damaged the trust. The court noted, "Min Heejin's complaints remained internal until HYBE made them fully public through an exclusive article on April 22, 2024."

■ Reassessment of allegations: Acknowledging the practices of 'pushing out' album sales

The suspicions raised by Min Heejin about ILLIT copying NewJeans and that HYBE engaged in 'pushing out' album sales also received opposite interpretations.

The court for NewJeans' case treated these as 'excuses made quickly to end the contract,' but the court for Min Heejin's case judged them as a 'fair internal whistleblowing and an exercise of managerial rights.'

The court for Min Heejin's case specifically stated that HYBE's practices of 'pushing out' album sales actually happened.

This court stated, "At the time, HYBE's CEO Park Jiwon appeared to have suggested 'pushing out' NewJeans' album sales to ADOR. Also, the head of HYBE Japan planning team used the term 'pushing volume' on August 4, 2023. There is evidence to suspect this," adding, "Inflating first-week sales to promote chart rankings harms fair distribution and deserves criticism."

Furthermore, the court stated, "Min Heejin's allegations may have helped ADOR by preventing it from happening again and establishing the market order." The court considered her actions as raising issues of public interest, as she called for investigation and countermeasures regarding matters that could disturb the album market order at a major corporation like HYBE."

Regarding ILLIT's plagiarism allegations, the court also cleared her, saying, "It was a management decision to protect her key asset (NewJeans) and it was a fair issue to raise. It did not constitute the spread of false information."

Continue reading Why NewJeans 'went downhill' while Min Heejin 'survived'

"They even met the Japanese aristocrat grandfather" ... Min Heejin, the one behind NewJeans' downfall

SOURCE: [단독] "일본 귀족 할아버지도 만났다"...민희진, 뉴진스 파국의 설계

NewJeans stated at their contract termination press conference: “We will carry out all previously scheduled activities as planned.” (November 28, 2024)

The very next day, they changed their words, informing ADOR that they refuse to participate in activities: “We don’t think we’ll be able to film content for the Japanese fan club.” (November 29, 2024)

NewJeans boycotted the filming for fan club kit, New Year's greetings, and ID that are usually done every January. Instead, they flew to Japan to meet a grandfather. His name is Kazumichi Goh, known to be a Japanese aristocrat. He is 73 years olds.

Who called (NewJeans?) It was Min Heejin.

① The Aristocrat Grandfather

Kazumichi Goh, born in 1954, is a big name in the Japanese racing world. He started 'Team Goh' in 1996 and won the championship at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 2004.

He is known as a wealthy businessman. His maternal grandfather was Shojiro Ishibashi, the founder of Bridgestone. Meanwhile, his paternal granfather is Goh Takasaburo, who served as an executive director at Nissin Seifun Group.

Min Heejin reportedly met Kazumichi Goh at the end of 2024. According to an insider, it was not just for a social gathering. A source claimed, "At the time, Min Heejin needed money. Then, she was introduced to the Japanese grandfather."

Min Heejin even called NewJeans to Tokyo. She gathered the whole group to meet this grandfather. Kazumichi Goh is said to be a huge fans of NewJeans. It appears that Min Heejin took advantage of this fact.

② The Tokyo Meetings

According to Dispatch's investigation, NewJeans met this grandfather in Japan at least three times. The whole group reportedly traveled together in January to see him. They also went in March and April, both separately and together.

NewJeans also celebrated this grandfather's special day, reportedly presenting him birthday gifts and handwritten letters. An insider close to NewJeans said, "Min Heejin told them he was an important person. The members were confused, but they still prepared the gifts as they were told."

What was Min Heejin 'planning' with this grandfather? A source speculated, "They began meeting after declaring the contract termination. It seems like they discussed investments."

In March 2025, NewJeans released 'Pitstop' under the name NJZ. Was it a tribute song for Kazumichi Goh? It could be, especially considering that ComplexCon was also a project led by Min Heejin.

③ “Pitstop”

On March 7, 2025, at the Seoul Central District Court, the court asked, "How are you preparing for the Hong Kong performance?" Even in court that day, NewJeans' side covered for Min Heejin. They reportedly lied to the court, saying, "The organizer is providing support."

"We haven't yet secured a production company or an agent for the show yet. We will do that once the court decision is out and problems are solved. For now, the organizer is providing the necessary staff." (Sejong)

Dispatch obtained the contract between NewJeans and Hong Kong ComplexCon. NewJeans' appearance fee was 350,000 USD. That is approximately 500 million KRW. The consulting fee was 500,000 USD (including staff expenses and other fees).

Min Heejin, the members' parents, and the lawyers reportedly discussed the contract in a group chart. They finalized it on December 18, 2024. However, Min Heejin did not put her name on the front to avoid legal problems such as 'tampering.'

④ Hong Kong Search

NewJeans used this stage as a stepping stone for their independent activities. They went ahead with the performance and unveiled their new song 'Pitstop' against the court's decision. What did Min Heejin want to show at the Hong Kong show?

Bonnie Chan Woo. She is a leading figure in Chinese pop culture industry. As the CEO of 'Complex China,' she hosted the Hong Kong show. It turns out, Bonnie had even sent a proposal to purchase ADOR from HYBE in October last year.

It is reported that Bonne offered to buy 80% of ADOR's shares for 400 billion KRW. In exchange she added the condition: "Hand over 100% of the rights to the artists' contracts and all management."

"We discussed this with NewJeans' representatives. They said that even if they lose the lawsuit, they have no intention of returning. If we acquire the shares, we plan to restart their creative work, including music production and shows, immediately." (Bonnie)

Who exactly are the 'NewJeans representatives' Bonnie refers to? The clear fact is that Min Heejin was constantly involved in the decision-making process. She was the unseen hand that prolonged NewJeans' dispute.

⑤ Claiming Damages

On March 21, 2025, NewJeans' independent activities were halted. The court accepted ADOR's request to 'preserve its status as the group's agency.' NewJeans reached a point where they couldn't leave ADOR to work independently.

However, on March 23, NewJeans announced, "We will attend Hong Kong ComplexCon under the name NJZ." At the same time, Min Heejin and Danielle's mother reportedly built the narrative that 'NewJeans and ADOR can not be together."

The following is a conversation between Min Heejin and Danielle's mother, obtained by Dispatch:

Danielle's mother: Can't the members refuse to attend ADOR events, saying they are under psychological pressure?

Danielle's mother: I think that would be helpful for the main lawsuit.

Min Heejin: Yes. Please post that on the (NJZ) PR account.

Danielle's mother: We should respond by saying they're anxious because they don't know how ADOR might interfere or hurt them.

Min Heejin: Please write it briefly. I will edit it.

Min Heejin reportedly wanted to overturn the court's decision in the main lawsuit. By claiming psychological distress and saying that 'The members feel anxious if ADOR is involved,' she attempted to build a reason to invalidate the exclusive contract. The person who edited this statement, according to the report, was Min Heejin.

⑥ Contract Termination

Min Heejin won the 'put option' lawsuit. The key to her victory was the court's argument that 'there were attempts, but they were not carried out.' In other words, a failed attempt became the reason she secured 25.5 billion KRW.

However, Min Heejin did more than just plan. She actually put her plans into action. According to the report, NewJeans' press conference declaring contract termination at 7.30 PM on November 28, 2024, was her work.

Dispatch obtained evidence that Min Heejin directed the event from behind the scenes. There is also testimony that Min Heejin personally wrote the script for the press conference and had the members memorize it.

Min Heejin was also reportedly involved in preparing rebuttal press releases. She even decided when and how to send them out. Although the statements were released under NewJeans' names, but the ghostwriter was said to be Min Heejin.

⑦ The Essence of the Business

On November 14, 2024, NewJeans sent a legal notice. They demanded, "Bring Min Heejin back as CEO." At the same time, they requested an apology from HYBE. The deadline for an answer was two weeks.

Six days after the legal notice was sent (the 20th), Min Heejin submitted her resignation. She also posted a message saying, "One person's malicious actions should not damage the essence of the business. It was really wrong."

After Min Heejin resigned, NewJeans announced their contract termination. They protected Min Heejin by saying, "We did not have separate discussions with CEO Min Heejin. We believe she feels the same way as we do."

Although Min Heejin was an internal director at ADOR, report claims she planned NewJeans’ contract termination from behind the scenes. Then, she quit the company one week before the press conference. This is speculated to be a trick to avoid potential charges such as breach of trust.

⑧ The True Colors of the Plan

"It is recognized that she looked for ways to become independent…. However, after HYBE started its audit on April 22, 2024, the independence plans mentioned in the KakaoTalk chats seem to have stopped there." (The Court)

Min Heejin secured 25.5 billion KRW through her planning 'skills.' But how will the 'memory' of these plans be recorded?

Allegations include: attempting inappropriate relationships with a senior executive; looking for investors for escape strategies; designing contract termination while serving as an internal director; using the members to meet the 'grandfather'; testing independent activities through the Hong Kong stage; and trying to steal the group using the name NJZ.

Min Heejin consistently explored options. The only reason she couldn't complete the actions was because she was caught. It was not just about calculations, she allegedly stopped only after being exposed, but (while hiding) she continued to shake the company. As a result, Min Heejin is 'OOAK' and only NewJeans ended up 'Not OOAK' (NB: OOAK is pronunced like the word 'okay')

Continue reading "They even met the Japanese aristocrat grandfather" ... Min Heejin, the one behind NewJeans' downfall

Hearts2Hearts donates 50 million KRW ... "We want to share the love we receive from Hatchu"

SOURCE: 하츠투하츠, 5천만 기부…"하츄 사랑을, 나누고 싶다"

Hearts2Hearts celebrated their 1st debut anniversary with a warm act.

On the 23rd, international development cooperation NGO G-Foundation stated, "Hearts2Hearts has donated 50 million KRW under the name of Hatchu (fandom name) to celebrate their 1st debut anniversary."

The donation will be used to support underprivileged young women in South Korea, including to provide sanitary products to those who are facing financial difficulties.

Hearts2Hearts shared, "For our 1st anniversary, we took part in this donation because we wanted to pass on the love we received from Hatchu to even more people."

They added, "We hope that underprivileged young women can live their daily lives without worry. We will become artists who spread positive influence."

Meanwhile, Hearts2Hearts recently made a comeback on the 20th with new single, 'RUDE!'.

Continue reading Hearts2Hearts donates 50 million KRW ... "We want to share the love we receive from Hatchu"

'Pachinko' Kim Minha and Noh Sanghyun reunite ... Team up for Netflix's rom-com 'Starlight'

SOURCE: '파친코' 김민하X노상현 재회..넷플릭스 '별짓'으로 로코 호흡 [공식]

Netflix has confirmed the production of their new movie 'Starlight' and announced the casting of Kim Minha and Noh Sanghyun.

On the 23rd, Netflix revealed that they have finalized production for the realistic romantic-comedy movie 'Starlight.' The movie tells the chaotic yet realistic story of a long-term couple in their 10th year of dating who love each other to death and hate each other just as fiercely, showing all the wild and ridiculous things they do because of love.

Soohyun (played by Kim Minha) and Hyuntae (played by Noh Sanghyun) met like destiny on an arts college campus and fell in love at first sight. They continued their relationship with intense passion, and even after 10 years together, they still love and hate each other intensely. The movie promises to humorously show the 'total mess' of a real relationship where they do all sorts of crazy things because of love, raising high expectations. 'Starlight' plans to show the reality of a passionate relationship that anyone has either experienced at least once, or wished to, through the romantic-comedy genre.

Kim Minha and Noh Sanghyun will play the roles of Soohyun and Hyuntae, a couple who started as college classmates and have been together for a decade. The two, previously portraying a sad romance in the series 'Pachinko,' will reunite in 'Starlight; as a long-term couple who can read each other's minds just by looking at their eyes. Kim Minha plays as Soohyun, a talented curator who strives for perfection in her work and career but falls apart when it comes to love and jealousy. Noh Sanghyun plays as Hyuntae, an installation artist who has been dating Soohyun for 10 years, portraying an artist with his own strong beliefs. The movie 'Starlight' will show the unusual romance of a long-term couple who date loudly, loving each other passionately and hating just as intensely. With Kim Minha and Noh Sanghyun reuniting in the romance genre, 'Starlight' is expected to bring a special kind of excitement to viewers all over the world through their realistic chemistry.

'Starlight' will be directed by rising filmmaker Seo Jungmin, a graduate of the Korea National University of Arts who is expected to show a fresh and witty direction. The production is handled by Bom Baram Film Productions, which previously produced Director Namkoong Sun's 'Love Untangled' and Director Kim Doyoung's 'Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982.' 

Continue reading 'Pachinko' Kim Minha and Noh Sanghyun reunite ... Team up for Netflix's rom-com 'Starlight'

'10th anniversary' IOI confirms May comeback ... Full group return after 9 years

SOURCE: '10주년' 아이오아이 5월 컴백 확정..완전체 9년만[공식]

Girl group IOI is making a comeback to the music scene to celebrate their 10th debut anniversary.

On the 23rd, Swing Entertainment announced, "IOI (Im Nayoung, Chungha, Kim Sejeong, Jung Chaeyeon, Kim Sohye, Yoo Yeonjung, Choi Yoojung, Kim Doyeon, Jeon Somi) has confirmed a comeback this May. They are currently preparing a new album." Swing Entertainment will be exclusively managing IOI and their comeback activities for this 10th anniversary project.

This marks their first activity in about nine years since 2017. It's a reunion to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their debut, making it especially meaningful for fans. The members have consistently shown their desire to reunite in various interviews and public events. After long discussions, they have finally come together again. However, Kang Mina and Zhou Jieqiong will not be able to participate due to prior schedules. Therefore, IOI will return as a 9-member group.

As the members have built successful careers as solo artists, actresses, and entertainers in their own fields, expectations are high for the new music and upgraded performances they will show as a team after 10 years. There's also growing interest in what kind of synergy their individual experiences and personalities will bring to the group.

IOI is a project group formed through national voting on Mnet's 'Produce 101' in 2016 and officially made their debut in May of that year. Starting with their debut song 'Dream Girls,' they released many hits including 'Whatta Man,' 'Very Very Very,' and 'Downpour.' They swept first places on music shows and topping major music charts, quickly establishing themselves as one of the leading girl groups in the music industry.

Based on these achievements, IOI won 'Rookie of the Year' awards at major ceremonies like Mnet Asian Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and Seoul Music Awards. Besides music, they were also active on various TV shows, solidifying their title as the 'Nation's Girl Group,' before officially finishing their activities with a concert in January 2017.

Along with the new album, IOI plans to meet global fans directly by starting a concert in Seoul followed by an Asia tour. They are promising a large-scale performance to satisfy the long-awaited anticipation of fans who have waited nine years.

Continue reading '10th anniversary' IOI confirms May comeback ... Full group return after 9 years