A former SM Entertainment Employee Comes Out For Min Hee Jin During Her Battle With HYBE

Former SM Entertainment employee David C. has defended Min Hee Jin in her HYBE struggle.

David C.’s LinkedIn article about Min Hee Jin’s issue with HYBE is gaining attention. SM Entertainment employed David C. as EVP of Creative Contents and Producing, Head of Producing, and A&R for over four years, and he may have worked with Min Hee Jin.

Min Hee Jin was a “challenging person to collaborate with,” yet David C. called her a “trendsetter” and said she motivated him to create a music startup. Other industry professionals who have supported the ADOR CEO include choreographer Kasper and former YG Entertainment creative director Shin Sung Jin.

The complete LinkedIn post by David C. is below.

“After watching Min Hee-jin’s press appearance, I wrote down my views, experiences working with her at SM, and feelings regarding this wild argument between HYBE and her. I want to tell HYBE officials my beliefs.

At SM, Min Hee-jin was known to be difficult to work with. (I was also hard to work with.) She has pioneered the visual direction and unique concepts of several K-pop musicians as an authentic, artist-minded creative director. Trend-setter.

I needed her approval on music video outfits when launching SM Station, a digital music project that released one digital single and a music video every Friday. She told me, “This project will fail.” Why are we doing this? Despite my pride, it seemed like a hard reality check rather than an ego blow. Outstanding production requires consistent artistry and public message attention. With weekly releases, I worked day and night to fulfill deadlines, disregarding the core and succumbing to mechanical manufacturing. I realized I was seeking validation. It made me question my actions. Even years later, those statements reminded me that I was reluctant to pursue my true desires. After leaving SM, I started a music startup to pursue my aspirations.

NewJeans wouldn’t exist without Min Hee-jin’s vision and determination, despite her antics. Not simply HYBE’s resources—Min Hee-jin is essential. Music business insiders know Bang Si-hyuk adored Min Hee-jin because of her vision and talent.

I regret HYBE’s confrontation with Min Hee-jin. This controversy has hurt many K-pop musicians and fans. I hope this argument doesn’t escalate because family matters should be settled inside the family. K-pop should stop being harmed. I hope all sides move ahead. Apologizing to artists and fans and reducing damage seem essential.”