Rumors are once again swirling around former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin — this time over claims she removed two members from NewJeans just before the group’s debut, allegedly after consulting a shaman.
According to online chatter, NewJeans was initially planned as a seven-member group. Trainees Youngseo and Harin were reportedly part of the pre-debut lineup, but both were dropped at the last minute.
Youngseo later joined the label behind ILLIT but did not make the final lineup there either, eventually debuting with ALLDAY PROJECT, where she’s been steadily gaining attention.
Harin, a Japanese trainee, shifted her focus to acting and recently appeared on the YouTube series Nice to Eat You!, sharing details of her journey in the Korean entertainment industry.
What reignited the speculation was Harin’s recent account, which coincided with resurfaced claims that Min Hee-jin allegedly consulted a shaman before making the final debut lineup decision. The shaman known as “Jiyeongnim0814” and identified in past reports as Ms. Lee supposedly advised that debuting with Youngseo and Harin would be “bad” for the group.
This isn’t the first time Min Hee Jin’s alleged reliance on spiritual advice has made headlines. Leaked messages from her to Ms. Lee previously suggested she sought guidance for various ADOR matters, including member selection. Min Hee Jin faced backlash and accusations of breach of trust for allegedly sharing confidential company information, but she denied the claims, describing Ms. Lee as “just an acquaintance.”
Since the controversy, both Min Hee Jin and Ms. Lee have stayed silent, with the latter disappearing from public view entirely.
Harin’s recent media appearance has now thrown fuel back onto the fire, and online forums are once again buzzing with debates over whether superstition influenced one of K-pop’s most successful group launches.
- What do you mean “at least that’s a relief”? If she had joined NewJeans, she would’ve made a ton of money, but now she’s just wasted so much time and money. Such a shame.
- Is this Shorts video real? They say she cut her because of what a shaman said.
- Sending each photo one by one, asking “Is she possessed by a ghost? Should we kick her out? Should we go with 7 members or 6?”—asking all that to the shaman, lol.
- How is this witch-hunting? Min Hee-jin sent trainee photos to a shaman asking things like “Does she look possessed? Is she obedient?” and stuff like that.
- Good thing she didn’t go to NewJeans—would’ve been a disaster.
Whether the claims are fact or fiction, one thing is certain — the mystery around NewJeans’ pre-debut lineup decisions continues to fascinate fans and stir controversy nearly three years after their debut.
Sources: fmkorea
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