NewJeans' founder establishes new company a year after leaving ADOR - Photo: NAVER
According to South Korean media, Min Hee Jin, the "mother of NewJeans" and former CEO of ADOR, completed the legal registration process for her company "OK" (full name: ooak Co., Ltd.) on October 16th.
Will NewJeans be joining forces with Min Hee Jin?
The company's scope of operations includes artist management, music production, album release, and concert organization, essentially a "miniature entertainment workshop".
Notably, the company's headquarters are located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam, an area known for its numerous major brands, and according to sources, a new building is under construction there.
Observers believe this is a strategic move by Min Hee Jin to prepare for the "post-ADOR era".
Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin officially returns to the entertainment industry by establishing a new company a year after leaving her previous position - Photo: KoreaHerald
Since being dismissed from her position as CEO of ADOR in August 2024, she has been largely "in hiding." Her choice to publicly announce her new plan right before the trial has drawn particular attention.
On October 30th, the court will issue a preliminary ruling in the ADOR lawsuit seeking confirmation of the validity of its exclusive contract with NewJeans.
And the biggest question now is: If NewJeans wins the lawsuit, will the whole group reunite with Min Hee Jin at OK Company?
This possibility is not without basis. The NewJeans members have previously expressed their deep attachment and trust in Min Hee Jin.
In court filings, they described returning to ADOR as tantamount to "bringing victims of school bullying back to their bullies," demonstrating a firm stance against their former company.
The group had intended to operate independently under the name "NJZ," but this plan was blocked by the court, which also stipulated that each member would have to pay 1 billion won in compensation if they continued to operate independently.
However, the road ahead remains challenging. NewJeans lost both previous lawsuits, raising concerns among experts about the outcome of the upcoming preliminary hearing.
The crucial preliminary hearing between ADOR and NewJeans will announce its verdict on October 30th, seen as a turning point that will determine the future of both sides - Photo: NATE
Meanwhile, Min Hee Jin is still embroiled in another legal dispute with HYBE related to the cancellation of the shareholder agreement and the repurchase of shares.
On one side is the NewJeans girls' determination to "break free" from their shells, and on the other are the strict legal constraints and the risk of enormous compensation claims. Meanwhile, Min Hee Jin's "new home" is ready, but the "contractual shackles" with ADOR remain unbroken.
The establishment of OK Entertainment was not only an act of independent business venture but also a reflection of the fragile power dynamics between producers, idols, and capitalists in the K-pop industry.
Will the October ruling pave the way for a reunion between Min Hee Jin and NewJeans, or will it further solidify the unshakeable power of the capitalist class? The answer will be revealed at the fateful court hearing on October 30th.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/min-hee-jin-lap-cong-ty-giai-tri-moi-chuan-bi-chieu-mo-newjeans-20251026093122748.htm
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