Amid suspicions that ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin stole members of NewJeans from Source Music, a former trainee has earned sympathy for an unusual reason. K-Netz wonder why she was not included in the final group.
On July 23, the Korean media outlet Dispatch released an article revealing that Min initially participated in the debut project of Source Music called Team N, which is now NewJeans.
She was then accused of repeatedly delaying the members' debut to lead and brand the group herself under her current label, ADOR.
#DISPATCH [D-EYE] article Translation
— KoreadeoK (@koreadeok) July 23, 2024
Evaluation of the debut of the N Team (now #NewJeans) on March 27, 2021.
Seven trainees from #SourceMusic stood in front of the camera. The assignment song is "Attention." Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, Hyein, OO, and △△ competed to… pic.twitter.com/aahcTgVTwt
Under the lengthy report, K-pop fans especially showed their "disgust" with the claim that Min Hee Jin had gotten rid of a member after her trusted shaman told her that the trainee "looked like she was possessed by a ghost."
In a dance practice video leaked by Dispatch, the five members, including two unknown trainees, were seen performing the demo version of NewJeans' debut track, "Attention."
It was revealed that their concept was already set prior to transferring to ADOR and that they were originally seven. However, in a leaked conversation between Min Hee Jin and the shaman, the trainee was unfairly removed due to her visuals.
🙂↕️ pic.twitter.com/NNpL0Mww6d
— 녱🐱🩷🫧 (@tyun1uv) July 23, 2024
ALSO READ: Min Hee Jin Reportedly 'Stole' NewJeans Members From Source Music: 'So Sungjin Birthed Them'
In particular, Min sent the trainee's photo to the shaman and asked:
"Do you agree if I remove her?"
The shaman agreed and criticized the trainee saying:
"She looks like a total fool. Her eyes look like she has a second soul."
Min additionally asked:
"Is she possessed by a ghost?"
The shaman replied:
"Totally. She has a dark undereye and looks like she's completely out of it."
Hearing this, the ADOR CEO replied:
"She is eliminated, confirmed."
what’s the point of denial? we’ve all seen it😭https://t.co/qbBUWpmBKU https://t.co/0GM4Og7RtS
— r ⚢ ⚡︎ (@viianwich) July 23, 2024
Upon seeing this conversation, K-netizens and K-pop fans were frustrated and felt sorry for the trainee whom Min and the shaman did dirty.
While it was common for trainees to be cut from the lineup at the last minute before the debut due to skills and image differences, fans commented that the seven matched each other well and that it was unfair for the trainee to be kicked out for such a reason.
Can't imagine for the 2 girls if they found out, they got eliminated bcs of a SHAMAN https://t.co/G1lFkwap2o
— PIAA-METAL ✗ω✘ (@sseravyim) July 23, 2024
SHE'S NOT LYING😭pic.twitter.com/mLKuu1Hkq5 https://t.co/l9pQRJybzP
— Nad (@joochstar) July 23, 2024
i feel so bad for illit youngseo omg, imagine getting removed from the debut lineup of nwjns, participating and getting #2 in a survival show and yet getting removed from the debut lineup ONCE AGAIN for no clear reason :/ https://t.co/TeyOSEEmm8
— ruse (@velvetskook) July 23, 2024
just read everything & min heejin really stole them from source music just to have her name branded in the industry history like some kind of music producers when her skills only applies to marketing damn and now she has brainwashed them girls as a true p3d0 hate her so much 🤬 https://t.co/Fe3vzNBB4f
— elena ☕︎︎ 🇵🇸 (@wouldrecommend_) July 23, 2024
Amid these suspicions, ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin claimed this was false and explained her own side of the story.
With the back-to-back controversies involving NewJeans, including their plagiarism issues, ADOR said on its official SNS that they will take a break from activities for now.
"NewJeans, who successfully concluded this busy promotion after going through many difficult processes, will take a break to recharge and then prepare to return with a new look.
However, in the meantime, they will continue to greet fans with surprising schedules and content. Please show lots of interest and anticipation."
READ MORE: ADOR Addresses NewJeans' Plagiarism Accusations In Fiery Official Statement
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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz