K-netizens react to Dispatch accusing ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin of stealing NewJeans from Source Music

On July 23, Dispatch released an article accusing ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin of stealing NewJeans members from Source Music.

On March 27, 2021, the trainees of Team N (now known as NewJeans) faced their debut evaluation. Comprised of seven trainees from Source Music, including Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, Hyein, and others, the group showcased their skills with the song “Attention.” Source Music had been preparing for this new girl group since 2018, aiming for a third-quarter 2021 debut.

Min Hee Jin joined the project in 2019 as a creator, responsible for the group’s visual and conceptual direction. Source Music managed training and other logistical aspects. However, despite promising early efforts, including a well-received debut evaluation video, the group’s debut was indefinitely postponed.

Internal dynamics played a significant role in this delay. Bang Si Hyuk, expressing a lack of confidence in girl groups, collaborated with Min Hee Jin, who initially hesitated due to limited control over the project. When the Team N committee was formed, Source Music’s CEO, So Sung Jin, retained final decision-making power.

Min Hee Jin, known for her need to execute projects her own way, faced challenges in asserting her vision. Despite multiple adjustments to her role and responsibilities, conflicts persisted. By March 2021, the project had stalled, with crucial branding materials remaining incomplete.

According to Dispatch, Min Hee Jin deliberately delayed Team N’s debut due to dissatisfaction with her lack of control over the project. Eventually, she took the trainees who would become NewJeans to form her own girl group under ADOR. However, Min Hee Jin had denied the allegations and stated that ADOR would be taking firm legal action.

Korean netizens commented:

“Source Music must feel so unjust.”

“Dispatch… Is this reliable?”

“How can I trust HYBE and Dispatch? lol.”

“I support Min Hee Jin.”

“ADOR fighting.”

“Isn’t Dispatch close with HYBE?”

“I don’t trust Dispatch.”

“I don’t like both.”

“I feel bad for Source Music.”

“I’m not going to fall for this media play.”

“Min Hee Jin and HYBE are the same.”

“Stop doing media play.”