"I want to take this opportunity to share the accurate details and truth regarding the allegations of a sexual harassment cover-up. I hope this will prevent uninformed third parties from making careless remarks about the situation."
The accusation that a female CEO covered up sexual harassment within the company has sparked controversy, with many questioning how a woman could fail to stand in solidarity with other women in such a situation. This issue is particularly concerning because the main consumers of idol groups are women, potentially causing significant damage to the company's image. Recently, Min Hee Jin, the CEO of ADOR, has been at the center of these allegations.
In response, Min Hee Jin addressed the situation directly through her social media account on the evening of July 30, providing a detailed explanation of the incident.
She began by acknowledging the unexpected turn of events and conflicts between her and HYBE, expressing her apologies as a direct party involved. Min Hee Jin shared that she had endured a difficult time due to private KakaoTalk conversations being leaked by a certain media outlet, which she felt were distorted.
Despite attempts to correct the record with her legal representatives, they faced clear limitations. Therefore, she decided to use her personal platform to share the truth and the exact sequence of events.
Min Hee Jin expressed suspicion about the motives behind bringing the issue to light, which had already been concluded by HYBE's investigation. She emphasized the importance of clarifying the facts to prevent further harm to herself, other involved parties, and advertisers.
In her social media post, Min shared screenshots of messages exchanged between Vice President A and employee B, including a specific incident involving a meeting with an advertiser. The messages, organized chronologically, detailed the conversation where A invited B to a dinner meeting with an advertiser. B declined the invitation subtly, citing a mismatch in ranks and relevance. However, A misunderstood B’s polite refusal as hesitation and proceeded with the dinner plans.
Translation:
A: B, I am going to have dinner with C, do you want to join us?
A: Dinner on Thursday, Feb 15, or Tuesday, Feb 20.
A: These are (the days) I am thinking about suggesting. If you to join us, please check if the dates are okay. Thank you.
B: I'm available and okay with the time! However, I feel like it might be a bit awkward for me to join, and it seems more appropriate for the two of you to have the meal together.
A: I asked because I think it would be good for you to join us.
A: Can you talk for five minutes?
B: If that's the case then I am available on both 2/15 and 2/20.
Translation:
A: I asked because I think it would be good for you to join us.
A: Can you talk for five minutes?
B: If that's the case then I am available on both 2/15 and 2/20,
B: I prefer 2/20.
A: Then I'll ask for 2/20.
B: Thank you.
B: I've only recently become aware of this line, so I'll give you two options for now.
Translation:
C: Let's eat near Cheong-dam.
C: Do you want to visit our office?
A: Sounds very good.
A: I wanted to visit once.
C: Yes, yes, it's modest, but...
A: No need to worry about that.
C: Then I'll show you around slightly.
A: Sure.
C: I'll visit a few places in Cheong-dam.
Translation:
C: Option.
A: Which restaurant are you comfortable with?? B and I are not picky.
A: Thank you... haha.
C: Oh haha yes yes.
C: One that has a private room and is near our office.
C: There's 'Mong Joong Hun.'
C: Is Chinese okay?
Translation:
C: Yes.
A: Is this the one you're talking about?
C: Oh yes yes. Then I'll make reservations for that place.
A: The dim sum looks good.
C: In my name.
A: Oh my... Thank you!
C: What time is good?
A: 6 is good too.
Translation:
A: Or the time you're available.
C: I'll sea you at 6!
C: See!
B: Thank you!
A: Yes got it! Tomorrow at Mong Joong Hun at 6.
C: Have a good day and see you tomorrow!
C: I'm sorry! Mong Joong Hun is very popular!
Translation:
C: Is this place okay?
A: Yes. This place is good too.
A: Sorry to inconvenience you while you're busy.
C: I made reservations haha.
A: Thank you.
Min Hee Jin also detailed follow-up events and expressed her perspective, stating that everyone involved, including herself, deserves to be happy. She requested that the public refrain from further unnecessary debates. She clarified that she never attempted to cover up any incident and that her focus was on mediating the conflict and improving HR procedures.
Translation:
B: Hello, Hee Jin. I'm reaching out to say goodbye as I'm leaving the company. It wasn't easy to convey my feelings through KakaoTalk, but I felt it was necessary to explain the reasons for my resignation honestly and in detail, so I'm sending this message. (I considered calling, but I thought KakaoTalk would be more efficient and clear since you're busy.)
I know you're not particularly fond of things like this, but before getting to the main point, I want to say that my time at ADOR has been an invaluable learning experience thanks to your guidance. I'm truly grateful. I've learned a lot and grown by working with colleagues, even though we had a rough start. It has been a precious time for me to accept my shortcomings and become more humble.
As you may already know, the reason for my decision to resign is that it has become difficult for me to continue working with Mr. A. I hope that Mr. A will work well with other team members moving forward.
However, aside from my hopes, I feel it's important to honestly convey...
Translation:
Min Hee Jin: There is some shocking content! Thank you, B. I'll reply when I arrive in Seoul.
Min Hee Jin: It's a shame.
B: I've been really worried about bothering you while you're busy. Please feel free to contact me whenever you have time... I'm also very upset.
Min Hee Jin: I'll contact you when I arrive.
B: Yes Thank you!
Min Hee Jin: Can you write.
Min Hee Jin: in detail about ___ and ___?
B: Yes.
Min Hee Jin: Also about what you heard from who from outside.
B: Yes. I understand.
Translation:
Min Hee Jin: I suggest you meet with A.
Min Hee Jin: Both of you should meet and have an open and honest conversation.
Min Hee Jin: It's important for B to clear up any misunderstandings because B's reputation matters too.
Min Hee Jin: A shouldn't misunderstand B.
Min Hee Jin: B shouldn't misunderstand A either.
Min Hee Jin: Titles have been removed, so B can now speak more firmly to A during their meeting. If you're scared, I can join as well.
Min Hee Jin: Also, I have a few additional questions:
Min Hee Jin: You mentioned your concerns during a business trip, right? Was it more difficult for A than ___?
Min Hee Jin: Has ___ gotten better lately?
Min Hee Jin: What were the differences in the difficulties faced with A compared to ___?"
The allegations initially arose when a media outlet reported on July 25 that Min Hee Jin had covered up a sexual harassment case involving an employee. The report claimed that in March, a female employee (B) filed a complaint against a male executive (A) for workplace harassment, leading to B's termination and only a warning for A.
In response, Min Hee Jin, through her legal representatives and Markoll Consulting Group on July 29, stated that the issue was thoroughly investigated by HYBE’s HR team and concluded with no charges on March 16. She emphasized that the reasons for the employee's departure were unrelated to the harassment incident and reiterated her commitment to mediating conflicts and improving HR practices."
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