Min Heejin, the CEO of ADOR, has proposed a unique vision for the girl group NewJeans: after their seven-year contract ends, the members will not be re-signed and will be free to pursue their individual paths. This approach has sparked a heated debate, with supporters praising its emphasis on individual freedom and critics raising concerns about group longevity and limited opportunities. The debate highlights the complexities of idol group contracts and the challenges of balancing individual aspirations with group dynamics.
Introduction
On May 31, 2024, ADOR CEO Min Heejin held a second press conference in Seoul, South Korea, where she elaborated on her vision for the girl group NewJeans. Her remarks sparked a heated debate on Naver’s Nate Pann, a popular online forum, highlighting the complexities of idol group contracts and the challenges of balancing individual aspirations with group dynamics.
Min Heejin’s Vision: Freedom after Seven Years
Min Heejin’s vision for NewJeans revolves around the concept of “freedom after seven years.” This means that after completing their seven-year contract with ADOR, the members of NewJeans will not be re-signed and will be free to pursue their individual paths.
First, let me introduce the vision for NewJeans as articulated by CEO Min Heejin.
The vision for NewJeans and myself is simply to live happily. These girls, full of talent but not knowing how to express it, wanted to become celebrities without really understanding what it meant to be an artist. They joined the company through auditions because it was a big name, but they were unfamiliar with the system. The key issue is how to teach, guide, and shape them into the right kind of people.
I always tell the members that during their contract period, they are studying with me. For the next seven years, they should learn skills that will sustain them for life. How long do they plan to stay with me? Eventually, as they mature, they’ll want to pursue their own paths. They need to be trained to make independent choices and sustain themselves. If a mother spoon-feeds her children forever, how will they manage later in life?
Whether these girls want to become impressive artists, or after seven years, they get tired and want to study abroad or get married, I hope they live the life they want.
I believe it’s detrimental to hold on to them and force a re-contract for the company’s benefit. In a way, this vision is something unprecedented in the K-pop scene. Perhaps the members and their parents found my vision interesting and enjoyable. I dislike the stagnation in the K-pop industry. It’s not fun. When we have our style, another style can become popular, and this dynamic can help us all thrive. This is what makes it exciting. If we can make good money while doing this, I believe we can become a great business role model.
articulated by ADOR CEO Min Heejin.
Supporters: Empowering Individuality
Proponents of Min Heejin’s vision view it as an empowering approach that prioritizes the long-term well-being of the group members. They argue that it allows the members to pursue their individual goals and aspirations without being constrained by a long-term contract. Additionally, they emphasize that ADOR will continue to provide support and guidance to the members even after their contracts expire.
Critics: Limited Opportunities and Group Disbandment
Opponents of Min Heejin’s vision raise concerns about its potential impact on NewJeans’ longevity and the members’ career prospects. They argue that a seven-year limitation could hinder the group’s potential for long-term success and limit the members’ opportunities for growth and development. Moreover, they express skepticism about the feasibility of successfully transitioning to new groups every seven years, questioning the sustainability of this model.
Addressing Counterarguments: Industry Practices and Informed Decisions
Min Heejin’s supporters address these concerns by pointing out that many successful idol groups do not last indefinitely. They argue that it is more beneficial for members to have the freedom to leave the group when they feel ready, rather than being forced to stay in a situation that no longer aligns with their aspirations. Additionally, they emphasize that the members of NewJeans are fully aware of the seven-year contract and have made informed decisions about joining the group.
The Nate Pann Debate: Cross-Group Tensions and Responsibility
The debate surrounding Min Heejin’s vision extends beyond NewJeans, impacting other idol groups and their fandoms. Fans of groups like LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT, which were mentioned in Min Heejin’s first press conference, have expressed resentment for being indirectly implicated in her remarks. This highlights the interconnectedness of the idol industry and the potential for cross-group tensions to arise from individual decisions and statements.
Balancing Individual Aspirations and Group Dynamics
Min Heejin’s vision for NewJeans raises important questions about the balance between individual aspirations and group dynamics within idol groups. While her approach prioritizes the freedom of the members, it also raises concerns about the group’s longevity and the potential for limited opportunities. The debate surrounding her vision underscores the complexity of managing idol groups and the need for careful consideration of the long-term interests of both the members and the group as a whole.
I appreciate you taking the time to read this post. Please share your thoughts in the comments!
I’m not a Min Hee-jin stan, but I agree with her decision to let NewJeans go after their 7-year contract. Even after the contract ends, the members will still be in their mid-20s. That’s young enough to pursue their dreams.