Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin has reignited controversy after alleging that HYBE founder Bang Si Hyuk maintains undisclosed connections to powerful media figures, claims she says are backed by concrete records. The assertions were revealed on January 28 (KST) during a press conference held through her legal representatives, where she addressed accusations that she attempted to tamper with or “poach” NewJeans.
At the briefing, Min’s legal team argued that the tampering allegations were not based on facts but were instead part of a larger scheme designed to manipulate the stock market. According to their statement, the situation involved a specific businessman working in tandem with a family member of one NewJeans member, framing Min as a scapegoat in the process.
As part of her defense, Min’s side released transcripts of a private conversation between Min Hee Jin and Park Jeong Gyu, chairman of DAVOLINK. The records suggest that Park had discussed a potential investment proposal with Min in August 2024, with mediation allegedly handled by “Mr. B,” described as the uncle of a NewJeans member.
The transcript further indicates that Park repeatedly encouraged Min to attend the ICAE 2024 conference alongside the NewJeans members. During these discussions, Park allegedly assured Min that he would prevent Bang Si Hyuk from attending the same event, a claim that immediately drew attention.
More controversially, Park reportedly stated that Bang had been invited to the conference by the head of a major media company and suggested that Bang shared family ties with that media executive. According to Park’s claims, this relationship gave Bang outsized influence over entertainment-related media coverage in South Korea.
“Bang Si Hyuk controls all the media right now,” Park was quoted as saying in the released transcript.
Following these revelations, online discussion quickly intensified. Reports resurfaced claiming that Bang Si Hyuk has familial ties to senior figures associated with Chosun Ilbo, one of South Korea’s most influential newspapers. While these connections have not been legally established, the allegations have fueled speculation about whether such relationships could have affected how entertainment industry disputes were reported over the years.
Min Hee Jin’s side emphasized that these disclosures were not meant as personal attacks but as context for understanding how the tampering narrative spread so quickly and forcefully. Nevertheless, the claims have triggered heated debate among fans, industry insiders, and netizens, with many calling for clearer verification and official responses.
As legal battles surrounding NewJeans, HYBE, and Min Hee Jin continue, the impact of these alleged media connections and whether they can be substantiated—remains a key point of public interest.
Sources: Koreaboo
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