The ongoing dispute between HYBE and ADOR’s CEO, Min Hee-jin, continues to dominate K-pop conversations, especially after her recent bold press conference appearance. Before her tenure at HYBE, Min Hee-jin spent over a decade as a creative director at SM Entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on groups like Girls’ Generation, SHINee, f(x), EXO, and Red Velvet.
In 2019, Min Hee-jin made the notable move to HYBE, where she began preparations for the debut of NewJeans, showcasing her extensive experience and reputation in the industry. Despite her limited public appearances, Min Hee-jin remains highly regarded among K-pop fans.
Following her unexpected press conference on April 25th, where she appeared without makeup in a simple outfit and ball cap, Korean netizens delved into her past photos, sparking a resurgence of interest in her earlier appearances.
These images, depicting Min Hee-jin with a youthful and glamorous look, are circulating widely on social media and online communities. Many netizens have likened her to an actress or celebrity and noted her resemblance to GFRIEND’s SinB.
Born in 1979, Min Hee-jin is now 45 years old but continues to receive praise for her youthful appearance, attributed to her understated styling and outfits in various SNS photos alongside NewJeans.
Notably, her outfit from the press conference—a green striped sweatshirt paired with a blue ball cap—became a trend among K-pop enthusiasts and netizens.
In a playful nod to her newfound influence, young fans have humorously dubbed Min Hee-jin the “it girl of K-pop’s 5th generation” and have begun emulating her unique style. Additionally, fans discovered similarities between Min Hee-jin’s outfit and Minji’s attire in NewJeans’s new concept teaser, leading to a rapid sellout of the CEO’s shirt and cap on the brand’s website—an unusual phenomenon fueled by Min Hee-jin’s unexpected fashion choices.
