The parents of NewJeans members have recently come forward with shocking allegations about their daughters’ experiences under Source Music and the subsequent issues with HYBE. Their statements reveal a troubling picture of the conditions the girls faced and accusations of defamation from the management company.
Minji’s Mother: “Cockroach-Infested Dorm, Sending a Girl Home Alone at 2 AM”
Minji’s mother shared her relief upon Minji’s move from Source Music to ADOR, but she also recounted disturbing details about Minji’s time as a trainee at Source Music. Minji began her training at just 13 and lived alone in Seoul. Her mother described her first visit to the dormitory after a year as a horrifying experience, finding the place infested with mold and cockroaches. “It breaks my heart to think Minji endured such harsh conditions silently,” she said.
The difficulties extended beyond the living conditions. Minji was reportedly left waiting indefinitely with no clear plans for her debut, and she often worked past 2 AM. Her mother recalled the distress of receiving late-night calls from Minji, who was scared and walking home alone. Despite her passion for academics, Minji faced pressure to drop out of school. The company suggested she avoid regular high school due to the difficulty of balancing it with training, but Minji cherished school as a break from tough training. With no future plans from Source Music, Minji decided to continue her education, although it was too late to properly prepare for an arts high school.
When Source Music became part of HYBE, Minji faced the risk of being sidelined as a famous celebrity joined HYBE’s girl group. Her mother praised Min Hee-jin for staying committed and helping Minji debut with NewJeans. She criticized HYBE for spreading false rumors and attacking Min Hee-jin, “We’ve never thought about leaving ADOR.“
Hyein and Haerin’s Mothers: “We Were Misrepresented as ‘New-FIFTY’… 3 Days of Misunderstood Horrors”
Hyein and Haerin’s mothers also spoke out, denying any plans to leave ADOR and expressing dissatisfaction with how HYBE portrayed them as betrayers. They recounted the lack of feedback from Source Music after final evaluations and criticized HYBE for making them and NewJeans appear in a negative light.
Hyein’s mother explained that they had originally signed with Source Music under the promise of debuting in HYBE’s first girl group. The transition to ADOR was seen positively. However, the mothers claimed that the mistreatment of NewJeans by Source Music and the release of trainee videos without consent revealed serious ethical concerns.
They urged HYBE to cease their interference with ADOR, expressing confusion and frustration over the lack of communication.
Danielle’s Mother: “HYBE’s Response is Outrageous; Who Leaked the Info?”
Danielle’s mother expressed frustration over a leaked video and criticized HYBE for their delayed response. She emphasized that their contract assured Danielle’s debut with HYBE’s first girl group, with no mention of members from previous teams. The “member stealing” accusations were a shock, and she questioned HYBE’s integrity and commitment to protecting their artists.
She condemned HYBE and Source Music for failing to safeguard their artists and threatened potential legal action if the situation was not resolved. Danielle’s mother questioned how they could trust the companies, given the ongoing issues with distorted facts and harassment.
