In the midst of a brewing conflict between HYBE and ADOR's Min Hee Jin, the label that houses the girl group NewJeans, Minji has stepped into the public eye for the first time.

NewJeans' Minji graced a high-end cosmetic brand event in Seoul on the afternoon of April 23rd. She greeted the crowd with a professional wave and struck various poses, including a heart sign.

However, her expression seemed somewhat somber during the photo session, a departure from her usual cheerful demeanor.

This change in mood appears to be a ripple effect of the recent controversy surrounding Min Hee Jin. It was previously reported that HYBE exercised its right to audit ADOR's Min Hee Jin and ADOR's management team A on April 22nd.

Allegedly, Min Hee Jin had recently partnered with A and pressured HYBE to sell its 80% stake in ADOR to a private equity fund (PEF) she had aligned with.

In response to this, HYBE's audit team is said to be formulating a plan to create a separate independent corporation and transfer the NewJeans members, should Min Hee Jin's pressure tactics to sell to the private equity fund fail.

There were also rumors that Min Hee Jin, who debuted less than two years ago, was strategizing to shift the responsibility of terminating the contract with NewJeans and ADOR onto HYBE, in anticipation of the substantial penalty risk associated with NewJeans.

Min Hee Jin, however, countered these claims in an official statement on April 22nd, denying any attempts to seize control of ADOR and accusing HYBE of media manipulation. She alleges that she has been the target of retaliatory attacks from HYBE ever since she internally reported suspicions of ILLIT copying NewJeans.

As NewJeans is slated for a comeback in May, all eyes are on the group's next move. Min Hee Jin stated, "I made the official announcement after sufficient discussion with the NewJeans members and their legal representatives," which has only heightened fans' concerns.

Amidst reactions suggesting a repeat of the FiftyFifty incident, Minji too seemed aware of the situation, attending the event with a somber expression.

Source[1]

Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

Source: [1]