Min Hee-jin Questions ADOR's '3:2' Approach to NewJeans, Attorney Says

Attorney Noh Young-hee―who was briefly retained by former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin before withdrawing―appeared on the YouTube show “Maebul Show,” sharing Min’s take on how NewJeans’ return to ADOR has been handled.

On the Nov. 17 episode, attorneys Jeon Se-joon and Noh appeared together, effectively voicing ADOR’s and Min’s respective viewpoints. Noh said Min welcomed the news that all five NewJeans members intended to return to ADOR, calling it “the natural next step” and saying she supported the decision.

“Min’s reaction was, ‘If all five are going back, congratulations―let’s work hard. I shouldn’t hold them back,’” Noh noted.
According to Noh, Min was puzzled that ADOR drew a line, saying it needed to verify some members’ intent before moving forward.

“Min’s side understood all five would return, and with the appeal window closed, that felt like the obvious outcome,” Noh continued. “She was left wondering―and disappointed―why ADOR was structuring it like a 3-2 split.”

In a second statement released via Noh’s YouTube channel on Nov. 15, Min reiterated, “NewJeans exists as five. The girls should be protected, not used.”

Noh stressed she wasn’t appearing to “take Min’s side,” and addressed why she backed out of representing Min earlier. “I initially accepted the case, but I withdrew after realizing just how big it could get,” she said. “Still, since she said she felt wronged, I thought it was important to explain what exactly she finds unfair.”

Noh also shared the police decision declining to refer Min for prosecution on breach-of-trust allegations. According to the decision, investigators reviewed KakaoTalk exchanges and concluded Min’s actions appeared aimed at safeguarding ADOR’s interests. They added that the term “exit” referenced in messages did not indicate a hostile takeover; rather, it contemplated a scenario after completing a five-year term under the shareholder agreement and exercising a put option.

As background, NewJeans opted not to appeal the first ruling in their lawsuit over the validity of their exclusive contract on Nov. 14, keeping their deal with ADOR intact. HAERIN and HYEIN were the first to signal their return on Nov. 12, followed later that day by MINJI, HANNI, and DANIELLE.

ADOR has since said it is confirming the intent of the three members who announced later and coordinating individual discussions.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)