Min Hee-jin

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In this Korean name, the family name is Min.

Min Hee-jin
Min in 2024
Born1979 (age 44–45)
Seoul, South Korea
Other namesMHJ
EducationSeoul Women's University
Occupations
  • Art director
  • graphic designer
Years active2002–present
Korean name
Hangul
민희진
Revised RomanizationMin Hui-jin
McCune–ReischauerMin Hŭichin

Min Hee-jin (Korean: 민희진) is a South Korean art director and graphic designer. She is the current CEO of ADOR, a subsidiary of entertainment company Hybe Corporation, where she previously served as chief brand officer. She was formerly a creative director at SM Entertainment, where she was responsible for the branding of groups such as Girls' Generation, Shinee, f(x), Exo, and Red Velvet.

Early life

Min was born in 1979. She attended Seoul Women's University, where she received a degree in visual design.[1]

Career

2002–2018: SM Entertainment

Min joined SM Entertainment in 2002 as a graphic designer. She was later promoted to creative director and led the visual branding of groups such as Girls' Generation, Shinee, f(x), Exo and Red Velvet.[2] Her role involved overseeing the planning and production of album artwork, costumes and music videos, as well as building the artist's brand identity through non-visual means. For instance, she created an exhibition to commemorate the release of f(x)'s 4 Walls album (2015), and engaged fans in a deductive game titled "Pathcode" as part of promotions for Exo's 2015 album Exodus.[3] During her tenure at SM, she received attention for her innovative, experimental approach to art direction, which differed from the formulaic style used by first-generation K-pop idols.[4] Min is credited with shifting the visual direction of the K-pop industry to become more concept-driven,[5][6] and is particularly noted for her work on f(x)'s 2013 album Pink Tape.[7] She joined SM's board of directors in 2017,[2] but left the company at the end of 2018 due to burnout.[1][8]

2019–present: Hybe Corporation

Min joined Hybe Corporation in 2019 as chief brand officer and oversaw the company's rebranding.[2], including the design of the new logo and the new work space in Yongsan. [9] [10] [11] She was appointed CEO of Hybe's new subsidiary ADOR (All Doors One Room) in November 2021. Min shared in a statement, "Our label won't hesitate to accept new challenges and strive to create artist IP and content containing ADOR's unique philosophy."[12] The label unveiled its first girl group NewJeans in July 2022,[13] with Min leading their creative direction and development.[12] They released their debut self-titled extended play on August 1.[13] In 2023, Min was awarded the Seoul City Culture Award by the Seoul Metropolitan Government for her work with NewJeans.[14]

Controversies

Sexualization of minors

Min has been accused by online users of drawing inspirations for the groups she manages from sexually charged media that involve minors. Min was seen sharing pictures of her apartment on Instagram which showcased images that refer to the 1974 film I'll Take Her Like a Father, among others. Min has also been accused of allowing revealing clothes that mimic those of school girls for f(x) and sexual innuendos on the lyrics of the track "Cookie" for NewJeans. In response, ADOR announced they have taken legal action against the allegations.[15][16][17][18]

Dispute with Hybe

On April 22, 2024, Hybe Corporation started an internal audit on Min Hee-Jin and other ADOR executives for allegedly attempting to seize full control of the subsidiary company and publicly called for Min's resignation as the CEO.[19][20] In response, Min issued a public statement refuting the allegations and accused Hybe of mismanagement, claiming that it would have been impossible for her to seize control of ADOR since Hybe owns 80% of the shares.[21] Min claimed that she was asked to resign because of her complaints towards the artistic direction of the newly formed group Illit, who debuted in March 2024 under the subsidiary label Belift Lab. She blamed Hybe chairman Bang Si-hyuk, who oversaw the production of Illit debut, for failing to address the alleged creative similarities of NewJeans and Illit.[22] Following the dispute Hybe Corporation's share value fell, loosing a total of 12.17% in the month of April.[23] On May 22, Illit label, Belift Lab, filed a complaint to authorities against Min for defamation regarding her copycat accusations.[24]

On April 24 and 25, Hybe team released more evidence to support their claims, including KakaoTalk chats between Min and ADOR's vice CEO where the latter listed various methods for them to take full control of NewJeans activities, ranging from the intervention of foreign investors that could buy Hybe's shares to forming a new unit with NewJeans members.[25][26] On the same day, Hybe filed a complaint to authorities against Min Hee-jin for breach of trust.[27] Min addressed the allegations raised against her on April 25, 2024, at an emergency press conference, accompanied by her two lawyers. She stated that there was no concrete plan to leave Hybe and that tensions with Hybe top executives started when another group managed by a Hybe subsidiary, Le Sserafim, was pushed to debut before NewJeans and then continued regarding Min's contract.[28] Following the press conference Min gathered korean public support for her desire to be heard by Hybe, while being criticized for mentioning other groups. [29]

In May 7, Min filed an injunction against Hybe to prevent the company from exercising its voting rights at the next shareholders' meeting, where she would have likely be removed as CEO of ADOR.[30][31] On May 17, the hearing for Min's injuction begun, and the members of NewJeans, who "have been known to have a close relationship with Min"[32], filed a petition with the Seoul Central District Court to prevent the dismissal of Min from ADOR.[33][34] That same day, Min's KakaoTalk chats were leaked, showing Min allegedly making disparaging remarks about NewJeans as well as their fans with a colleague.[35][36] On May 19 NewJeans parents submitted their own petition to the court in Min's favor.[37] On May 30, the court upheld the injunction filed by Min, disallowing Hybe from exercising its voting rights to dismiss her as CEO,[38] stating that there was no actual implementation stage to gain full control of ADOR.[39] During the shareholders' meeting on May 31, two ADOR executives close to Min and not protected by the injunction were dismissed from their functions and replaced by Hybe,[40] while still being able to work for ADOR.[41]

Awards and nominations

Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee(s) of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee/work Result Ref.
Golden Disc Awards 2024 Producer Award Min Hee-jin Won [42]
Korea Content Awards 2023 Presidential Commendation Won [43]
MAMA Awards 2016 Best Visual & Art Director Won [44]
2022 Breakout Producer Won [45]

Listicles

Name of publisher, year listed, name of listicle, and placement
Publisher Year Listicle Placement Ref.
Billboard 2023 International Power Players Placed [46]
Women in Music – Multisector Placed [47]

References

  1. ^ a b Jo, Hae-ram (July 1, 2019). SM→빅히트 민희진 누구?...아이돌에 의미를 입힌 '컨셉트 장인' [SM → Big Hit. Who is Min Hee-jin? The 'concept craftsman' who gave meaning to idols]. Money Today (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Naver.
  2. ^ a b c Choi, Ji-won (July 19, 2021). "Who are the key players at Hybe in the post-Bang Si-hyuk era?". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on July 19, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  3. ^ Park, Soo-yoon (July 11, 2018). [음악계 우먼파워] ③SM엔터테인먼트 민희진 이사 [[Woman Power in the Music Industry] ③ SM Entertainment Director Min Hee-jin]. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  4. ^ Jun, Harry; Kim, Jae-hun; Park, Sanha; Jin, Chae-min; Cha, Woo-jin. "How Much Do You Know about Min Hee-jin?". Be(Attitude). Archived from the original on April 14, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  5. ^ "From Jane Campion to Youn Yuh-jung: Women That Have Made an Impact in Global Entertainment". Variety. March 2, 2022. Archived from the original on March 3, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  6. ^ Choi, Ji-won (August 29, 2022). "'Min Hee-jin Effect': How the K-pop mastermind and NewJeans are doing things differently". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on August 17, 2023. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
  7. ^ Hong, Hye-min (July 7, 2022). [HI★초점] 민희진 걸그룹, 하이브의 틀을 깨라 [[HI Focus] Min Hee-jin's girl group breaks the mould of Hybe]. Hankook Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Naver.
  8. ^ Choi, Hee-jae (December 2, 2021). 민희진 "SM 이사 1년만 퇴사→하이브行...이수만과 울었다" (유퀴즈)[종합] [Min Hee-jin: "I quit my job as SM director after one year → Hybe... I cried with Lee Soo-man" (Yoo Quiz) [General]]. Xports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Naver.
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  11. ^ "BTS' agency changes name to HYBE". Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  12. ^ a b Lee, Jae-lim (November 12, 2021). "Hybe to establish new music label with Min Hee-jin at helm". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on July 2, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  13. ^ a b Chin, Carmen (July 22, 2022). "Hybe's latest girl group NewJeans make their much-anticipated debut with 'Attention'". NME. Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  14. ^ Yoo, Jung-min (October 20, 2023). '뉴진스' 키워낸 민희진 대표, '서울시 문화상' 수상 [Min Hee-jin, CEO who raised 'NewJeans', won the 'Seoul City Culture Award'] (in Korean). iMBC. Archived from the original on December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  15. ^ Lee, Sun-myung (July 28, 2022). 하이브 민희진 '롤리타 성향' 논란...뉴진스 론칭 거부감 확산 [Controversy over Min Hee-jin from Hybe's 'Lolita tendency'... Spreading disapproval for NewJeans' debut]. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 6, 2023. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  16. ^ Hwang, Hye-jin (August 10, 2022). 민희진, 로리타 의심 악성루머 고소 "뉴진스 악플러도 선처 NO" [Min Hee-jin sues over Lolita malicious rumours. "No mercy towards NewJeans' malicious commenters."]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 11, 2023. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  17. ^ Choi, Jae-won (February 2, 2023). 뉴진스 소속사가 '악플러' 대거 고소하자, "여자만 팬다"며 난리난 여초 커뮤 회원들 [After NewJeans' agency sued a large number of 'malicious commenters', members of the female community went crazy saying, "Only women are targeted."]. Insight (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 2, 2023. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  18. ^ Yang, Haley (August 30, 2022). "Under 19 and full of innuendos: NewJeans controversy is latest in K-pop sexualization". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on August 17, 2023. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
  19. ^ Ko, Dong-hwan (April 22, 2024). "Hybe launches audit into Ador's management amid spin-off allegations". The Korea Times. Archived from the original on April 22, 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  20. ^ Kim, Ji-ho (April 22, 2024). ""하이브 비공개 문건 빼와"...민희진, 부정행위 포착 감사" ["Take Hybe's private documents"... Min Hee-jin audited to uncover misconduct]. Dispatch (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 22, 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  21. ^ "[단독] 민희진 대표 “어떤 투자자도 만난 적 없다..내부 고발을 했을 뿐” (인터뷰)" [[Exclusive] CEO Min Hee-jin "I have never met any investors...I just filed an internal complaint" (Interview)]. 일간스포츠 (in Korean). April 23, 2024. Archived from the original on April 24, 2024. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
  22. ^ "ADOR CEO slams HYBE group ILLIT as 'NewJeans copycat'". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on April 22, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  23. ^ "HYBE feud triggers massive selloff of Korean entertainment stocks". The Korea Times. Archived from the original on May 4, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  24. ^ "ILLIT agency reports Min Hee-jin for her 'NewJeans copycat' accusation". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on May 28, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  25. ^ "'Hands off us': Documents reveal NewJeans agency ADOR plotted against HYBE's control". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on April 24, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  26. ^ "'HYBE's sins,' 'Project 1945': Hostile documents get ADOR CEO reported to police". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on April 25, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  27. ^ "HYBE to file complaint against Ador's CEO for breach of trust". The Korea Times. Archived from the original on April 25, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  28. ^ "As it happened — ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin press conference". Korea JoongAng Daily. April 25, 2024. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  29. ^ "No two queen bees in a HYBE: The claims, accusations, rebuttals so far". Korea Joong Ang Daily. Archived from the original on May 31, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  30. ^ "Min Hee-jin files for injunction against HYBE before shareholders' meeting". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  31. ^ Sun-ah, Shim (May 17, 2024). "Hybe's Bang: Malice of one individual should not damage system". Yonhap News Agency. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  32. ^ "NewJeans members submit petitions over court injunction in Hybe-ADOR conflict". Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  33. ^ Kim, Jae-heun (May 13, 2024). "Ador CEO's fate to be decided on May 17". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  34. ^ Yun-hwan, Chae (May 18, 2024). "NewJeans members submit petitions over court injunction in Hybe-ADOR conflict". Yonhap News Agency. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  35. ^ Lee, Jae-hoon (May 20, 2024). "민희진 "뉴진스 비하? 짜깁기 내용...멤버들 위로 문자 보내"" [Min Hee-jin, "Disparaging New Jeans? A patchwork of content... sending a text message to the members"] (in Korean). Newsis. Archived from the original on May 20, 2024. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  36. ^ Grover, Ashima (May 17, 2024). "'Mother' of NewJeans, Min Hee Jin's alleged chats disparaging the members leaked amid K-pop legal battle against HYBE". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  37. ^ "NewJeans parents submit petition". Naver entertainment. Archived from the original on May 28, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  38. ^ Jae-heun, Kim (May 30, 2024). "Ador CEO Min Hee-jin not leaving Hybe". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on May 30, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  39. ^ "Court grants injunction filed to stop Hybe from dismissing CEO of NewJeans' label". Yonhap News. Archived from the original on May 30, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  40. ^ Sun-hwa, Dong (May 31, 2024). "Ador CEO Min Hee-jin keeps job, 2 executives ousted". koreatimes. Archived from the original on May 31, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  41. ^ "As it happened — ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin's second press conference". Korea Joongang Daily. Archived from the original on June 1, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  42. ^ Yeo, Gladys (January 8, 2024). "Here are all the performers and winners of the 38th Golden Disc Awards". NME. Archived from the original on January 8, 2024. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  43. ^ '뉴진스 키운' 민희진, '2023 대한민국 콘텐츠 대상' 대통령표창 수상 [Min Hee-jin, 'New Jeans Raised', receives the Presidential Commendation at the '2023 Korea Content Awards']. JTBC (in Korean). December 15, 2023. Archived from the original on December 25, 2023. Retrieved December 24, 2023 – via Naver.
  44. ^ Choi, Hyun-seok (December 2, 2016). MAMA 베스트 제작자상 방시혁·프로듀서상 블랙아이드필승 [MAMA Best Producer Award Bang Si-hyuk, Producer Award Black Eyed Pilseung]. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 22, 2022 – via Naver.
  45. ^ Yoon, Ki-baek (November 30, 2022). "뉴진스 제작자' 민희진, 브레이크아웃 프로듀서상 [2022 MAMA AWARDS]" ['New Jeans Producer' Min Hee-jin, Breakout Producer Award [2022 MAMA AWARDS]]. Edaily (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 30, 2022. Retrieved November 30, 2022 – via Naver.
  46. ^ Duffy, Thom (April 25, 2023). "Billboard's 2023 International Power Players Revealed". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
  47. ^ "Billboard Women in Music 2023 – Management, Legal, Finance, Business Management, Branding, and Multisector". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
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