The K-pop world has been engulfed in a contentious conflict between Min Hee-jin, the visionary CEO of ADOR (and affectionately known as the “Mom” of the meteoric girl group NewJeans), and Bang Si-hyuk, chairman of HYBE, the powerhouse behind BTS.
Sorcery Management: Fact or Fiction?
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At the heart of this controversy lies an allegation so unusual it has captivated the industry: “sorcery management.” Min Hee-jin allegedly sought the counsel of a female shaman for major management decisions, such as hiring and personnel matters. The shaman, claiming to communicate with spirits, provided business advice to Min Hee-jin through KakaoTalk, a popular messaging app.
HYBE’s complaint against Min Hee-jin for embezzlement yielded a treasure trove of information – lengthy transcripts of their conversations were secured through forensic analysis. In a 2021 exchange, the shaman ominously instructs Min Hee-jin to “bring the company back within three years.”
“I will help you for exactly three years. I will bring everything, like a corporate merger, within three years, and accomplish everything” the shaman further promises. Throughout the conversations, Min Hee-jin consults the shaman on joint ventures, stock options, and plans for a new label.
Military Service and a Mystical Advantage?
Intriguingly, the timeline of Min Hee-jin’s alleged pursuit of corporate control corresponds with the shaman’s guidance. The conversations even touch upon the sensitive topic of BTS’s mandatory military service. When Min Hee-jin inquired about their enlistment, the shaman affirmed. Min Hee-jin responds with a seemingly offhand remark, “It would be better for me if they go to the military,” hinting at potential benefits from their absence.
The shaman then makes a cryptic and even unsettling comment: “I will send them. It’s not like they’ve won a gold medal.” Min Hee-jin then reemphasizes her wish: “It would benefit me if they were gone.”
The Korean Context: Superstition or Strategy?
The cultural context of Korea is essential when interpreting these revelations. Practices like fortune-telling, shamanism, and reliance on superstitions have deep roots in Korean society. While some might see seeking a fortune-teller as a harmless act akin to checking your horoscope, shamanism carries a more overtly supernatural weight, associated with summoning spirits.
Whether you believe in these practices or dismiss them as superstition, the fact remains that Min Hee-jin appears to have consulted someone claiming otherworldly connections to influence her business decisions.
The NewJeans Phenomenon
Min Hee-jin’s success isn’t merely attributed to mystical consultations; it’s undeniable that her creative leadership and vision propelled NewJeans to become a breakout sensation. The group’s unique Y2K-inspired aesthetic, catchy music, and relatable personas captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Their seemingly effortless debut and subsequent singles, “Attention,” “Hype Boy,” and “Ditto” smashed records and propelled them to the forefront of the global K-pop scene.
Beyond the Music: A Fresh Perspective
NewJeans’ impact extended beyond music. Their fresh take on fashion, with a focus on nostalgic denim and youthful styles, set trends among their fanbase. Their choreography, infused with playful energy, became instantly recognizable and widely imitated. This holistic approach solidified their brand, not just as a new girl group, but as a lifestyle icon for many young people.
The Intriguing Link
It’s fascinating to consider whether some of Min Hee-jin’s seemingly serendipitous choices with NewJeans – the aesthetic, the music, even the group’s fresh-faced members – were, in some way, influenced or reinforced by her consultations with the shaman. Did a prediction of success bolster her confidence to take creative risks?
The Ongoing Narrative
The story of NewJeans and Min Hee-jin, interwoven with this bizarre turn of events, will undoubtedly continue to fascinate the K-pop community. As the group climbs higher, and legal battles unfold behind the scenes, the question on everyone’s minds is: Could a mystical advisor be the secret ingredient behind NewJeans’ success, or are Min Hee-jin’s talents the true source of their meteoric rise?
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