NewJeans has issued an ultimatum to their agency, HYBE, amid growing concerns over management issues. During an emergency live broadcast titled "What NewJeans Wants to Say," the members made it clear they no longer trust their management and demanded the reinstatement of former CEO Min Hee-jin by the 25th. They expressed their dissatisfaction with how sensitive materials related to their debut were handled, voicing fears about the future of their artistry.
In the broadcast, member Hani raised alarming concerns about disrespect from management, recounting an incident where a manager instructed others to "ignore" her loudly enough for her to hear. Minji echoed this sentiment, stating that such behavior is unacceptable and that the company failed to take appropriate action despite complaints. The members emphasized their desire for a protective and supportive management environment that enables them to thrive creatively.
As the drama unfolds, NewJeans called for a return to the original structure of their agency, Adore, where they felt respected and valued. They pleaded with HYBE and CEO Bang Si-hyuk to make a wise choice by normalizing operations at Adore before the deadline. The resolution of this controversy remains uncertain as the group voiced their frustrations publicly.
Immediately after the live broadcast, the video was deleted, and the associated YouTube account was shut down. Adore then posted a cosmetics advertisement featuring the members just three hours after the broadcast ended, highlighting a continued effort to promote their brand amidst the controversy. The board of Adore has been making management changes, recently appointing a new CEO while declaring that Min Hee-jin would retain her role in producing NewJeans' projects.
