Min Hee-jin, the former co-CEO of Adore, released a statement amid the ongoing dispute with Hybe, urging that the NewJeans members be kept from unnecessary controversy. She emphasizes protecting the children as the group continues to move forward.

In the statement, she explained that “From the start, we built around five,” and that “appearance, voice, color, style, and movement were all designed on the premise of five, which led to people marveling and the form becoming complete.” She further noted that “NewJeans are complete when five; each member’s color and voice interlock to form a single, fully complete shape,” and added that the members have decided to comply with their exclusive contracts, stating that “Now that they have returned, these five must be cherished. Unnecessary disputes and interpretations are not helpful.”

She argued that the focus of the ongoing dispute should be directed at her, not NewJeans. She also stated, “The essence is aimed at me, but please do not involve the children in the process,” and that “Children must be protected; NewJeans exists when five are together.”

Her remarks appeared shortly after NewJeans members signaled their intention to return to Adore. She also articulated a firm view on NewJeans’ origins and the group’s identity.