"They even met the Japanese aristocrat grandfather" ... Min Heejin, the one behind NewJeans' downfall

SOURCE: [단독] "일본 귀족 할아버지도 만났다"...민희진, 뉴진스 파국의 설계

NewJeans stated at their contract termination press conference: “We will carry out all previously scheduled activities as planned.” (November 28, 2024)

The very next day, they changed their words, informing ADOR that they refuse to participate in activities: “We don’t think we’ll be able to film content for the Japanese fan club.” (November 29, 2024)

NewJeans boycotted the filming for fan club kit, New Year's greetings, and ID that are usually done every January. Instead, they flew to Japan to meet a grandfather. His name is Kazumichi Goh, known to be a Japanese aristocrat. He is 73 years olds.

Who called (NewJeans?) It was Min Heejin.

① The Aristocrat Grandfather

Kazumichi Goh, born in 1954, is a big name in the Japanese racing world. He started 'Team Goh' in 1996 and won the championship at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 2004.

He is known as a wealthy businessman. His maternal grandfather was Shojiro Ishibashi, the founder of Bridgestone. Meanwhile, his paternal granfather is Goh Takasaburo, who served as an executive director at Nissin Seifun Group.

Min Heejin reportedly met Kazumichi Goh at the end of 2024. According to an insider, it was not just for a social gathering. A source claimed, "At the time, Min Heejin needed money. Then, she was introduced to the Japanese grandfather."

Min Heejin even called NewJeans to Tokyo. She gathered the whole group to meet this grandfather. Kazumichi Goh is said to be a huge fans of NewJeans. It appears that Min Heejin took advantage of this fact.

② The Tokyo Meetings

According to Dispatch's investigation, NewJeans met this grandfather in Japan at least three times. The whole group reportedly traveled together in January to see him. They also went in March and April, both separately and together.

NewJeans also celebrated this grandfather's special day, reportedly presenting him birthday gifts and handwritten letters. An insider close to NewJeans said, "Min Heejin told them he was an important person. The members were confused, but they still prepared the gifts as they were told."

What was Min Heejin 'planning' with this grandfather? A source speculated, "They began meeting after declaring the contract termination. It seems like they discussed investments."

In March 2025, NewJeans released 'Pitstop' under the name NJZ. Was it a tribute song for Kazumichi Goh? It could be, especially considering that ComplexCon was also a project led by Min Heejin.

③ “Pitstop”

On March 7, 2025, at the Seoul Central District Court, the court asked, "How are you preparing for the Hong Kong performance?" Even in court that day, NewJeans' side covered for Min Heejin. They reportedly lied to the court, saying, "The organizer is providing support."

"We haven't yet secured a production company or an agent for the show yet. We will do that once the court decision is out and problems are solved. For now, the organizer is providing the necessary staff." (Sejong)

Dispatch obtained the contract between NewJeans and Hong Kong ComplexCon. NewJeans' appearance fee was 350,000 USD. That is approximately 500 million KRW. The consulting fee was 500,000 USD (including staff expenses and other fees).

Min Heejin, the members' parents, and the lawyers reportedly discussed the contract in a group chart. They finalized it on December 18, 2024. However, Min Heejin did not put her name on the front to avoid legal problems such as 'tampering.'

④ Hong Kong Search

NewJeans used this stage as a stepping stone for their independent activities. They went ahead with the performance and unveiled their new song 'Pitstop' against the court's decision. What did Min Heejin want to show at the Hong Kong show?

Bonnie Chan Woo. She is a leading figure in Chinese pop culture industry. As the CEO of 'Complex China,' she hosted the Hong Kong show. It turns out, Bonnie had even sent a proposal to purchase ADOR from HYBE in October last year.

It is reported that Bonne offered to buy 80% of ADOR's shares for 400 billion KRW. In exchange she added the condition: "Hand over 100% of the rights to the artists' contracts and all management."

"We discussed this with NewJeans' representatives. They said that even if they lose the lawsuit, they have no intention of returning. If we acquire the shares, we plan to restart their creative work, including music production and shows, immediately." (Bonnie)

Who exactly are the 'NewJeans representatives' Bonnie refers to? The clear fact is that Min Heejin was constantly involved in the decision-making process. She was the unseen hand that prolonged NewJeans' dispute.

⑤ Claiming Damages

On March 21, 2025, NewJeans' independent activities were halted. The court accepted ADOR's request to 'preserve its status as the group's agency.' NewJeans reached a point where they couldn't leave ADOR to work independently.

However, on March 23, NewJeans announced, "We will attend Hong Kong ComplexCon under the name NJZ." At the same time, Min Heejin and Danielle's mother reportedly built the narrative that 'NewJeans and ADOR can not be together."

The following is a conversation between Min Heejin and Danielle's mother, obtained by Dispatch:

Danielle's mother: Can't the members refuse to attend ADOR events, saying they are under psychological pressure?

Danielle's mother: I think that would be helpful for the main lawsuit.

Min Heejin: Yes. Please post that on the (NJZ) PR account.

Danielle's mother: We should respond by saying they're anxious because they don't know how ADOR might interfere or hurt them.

Min Heejin: Please write it briefly. I will edit it.

Min Heejin reportedly wanted to overturn the court's decision in the main lawsuit. By claiming psychological distress and saying that 'The members feel anxious if ADOR is involved,' she attempted to build a reason to invalidate the exclusive contract. The person who edited this statement, according to the report, was Min Heejin.

⑥ Contract Termination

Min Heejin won the 'put option' lawsuit. The key to her victory was the court's argument that 'there were attempts, but they were not carried out.' In other words, a failed attempt became the reason she secured 25.5 billion KRW.

However, Min Heejin did more than just plan. She actually put her plans into action. According to the report, NewJeans' press conference declaring contract termination at 7.30 PM on November 28, 2024, was her work.

Dispatch obtained evidence that Min Heejin directed the event from behind the scenes. There is also testimony that Min Heejin personally wrote the script for the press conference and had the members memorize it.

Min Heejin was also reportedly involved in preparing rebuttal press releases. She even decided when and how to send them out. Although the statements were released under NewJeans' names, but the ghostwriter was said to be Min Heejin.

⑦ The Essence of the Business

On November 14, 2024, NewJeans sent a legal notice. They demanded, "Bring Min Heejin back as CEO." At the same time, they requested an apology from HYBE. The deadline for an answer was two weeks.

Six days after the legal notice was sent (the 20th), Min Heejin submitted her resignation. She also posted a message saying, "One person's malicious actions should not damage the essence of the business. It was really wrong."

After Min Heejin resigned, NewJeans announced their contract termination. They protected Min Heejin by saying, "We did not have separate discussions with CEO Min Heejin. We believe she feels the same way as we do."

Although Min Heejin was an internal director at ADOR, report claims she planned NewJeans’ contract termination from behind the scenes. Then, she quit the company one week before the press conference. This is speculated to be a trick to avoid potential charges such as breach of trust.

⑧ The True Colors of the Plan

"It is recognized that she looked for ways to become independent…. However, after HYBE started its audit on April 22, 2024, the independence plans mentioned in the KakaoTalk chats seem to have stopped there." (The Court)

Min Heejin secured 25.5 billion KRW through her planning 'skills.' But how will the 'memory' of these plans be recorded?

Allegations include: attempting inappropriate relationships with a senior executive; looking for investors for escape strategies; designing contract termination while serving as an internal director; using the members to meet the 'grandfather'; testing independent activities through the Hong Kong stage; and trying to steal the group using the name NJZ.

Min Heejin consistently explored options. The only reason she couldn't complete the actions was because she was caught. It was not just about calculations, she allegedly stopped only after being exposed, but (while hiding) she continued to shake the company. As a result, Min Heejin is 'OOAK' and only NewJeans ended up 'Not OOAK' (NB: OOAK is pronunced like the word 'okay')