"Good riddance, clear the building"— Internet reacts as NewJeans' performance directors Jei Kim & BLACK Q resign from HYBE

On January 10, 2025, Jei Kim and BLACK Q, who were choreographers and performance directors for NewJeans under HYBE’s ADOR label, officially announced their resignation from the company. Their departure has sparked significant online reactions, with many netizens expressing that this move aligns with recent changes in the NewJeans' ecosystem.

Jei Kim and BLACK Q, renowned for crafting NewJeans’ choreography, used social media to share the news of their resignation. Jei Kim (Kim Eun-ju) posted a lighthearted meme paired with a smiling face emoji wearing sunglasses. She wrote in the caption.

“Well then, I’ll be taking my leave… scurries away,”

Similarly, BLACK Q posted a meme styled as a resignation letter, stating:

“As of today, I’ll be resigning. I’ll be happy.”

Many took to social media to express that with the group’s termination of its contract with ADOR and the resignation of former CEO Min Hee-jin, it was only fitting that individuals closely tied to the team’s past also part ways. An X user wrote:

"good riddance, clear the building AMEN."

Others also joined in to express similar sentiments stating that all supporters of Min Hee-jin should leave HYBE and join her.

"Good. Everyone that worked close to MHJ and supported her MUST GO!! Clean ADOR!!! if necessary, clean the whole 16 floor!!," an X user wrote.

"Good riddance of all MHJ peoples we are tired of them," a person remarked.

Many fans also praised the choreographers for leaving ADOR and indirectly expressing support for Min Hee-jin.

"MHJ built a TEAM not just employees," wrote an X user.

"So funny how this hype people though the whole creative team at ador was gonna be there for them and everyone left as soon as they can ", an X user wrote.

"CONGRATS PD NIM!! THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS STICKING WITH NEWJEANS," a fan exclaimed.

Some speculated that their resignation might stem from the ongoing legal efforts concerning their previous accusations of ILLIT plagiarizing NewJeans' choreographies.

"They know they get fired. So they quit before it happens. They will update their resume, and change job professions," an X user wrote.

"A lot of these dance instructors are dying to be hired by hybe and their sublabels. Don't be fooled by the internet," an X user wrote.

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NewJeans' performance directors previously accused ILLIT of copying their choreographies

The resignations also highlight ongoing tensions between HYBE, ADOR, and Belift Lab, particularly surrounding NewJeans and the girl group ILLIT. The performance directors had previously raised concerns over alleged similarities between NewJeans’ creative work and ILLIT’s concepts.

Choreographies for hits like Cookie, Hype Boy, and Super Shy were allegedly imitated in ILLIT’s performances, including a commercial for Lucky Girl Syndrome. Both Jei Kim and BLACK Q had publicly criticized these overlaps, accusing ILLIT of blatantly copying their work.

Jei Kim had remarked on social media about the lack of originality, stating that while similarities could occur naturally, “taking direct references without modifications shows a lack of respect.” BLACK Q echoed her frustration, pointing out the extensive effort that goes into choreography and the dismay of seeing it appropriated so blatantly.

This controversy ties into the broader legal dispute between Min Hee-jin and Belift Lab, which has escalated into defamation lawsuits. The two sides remain embroiled in a battle over whether ILLIT’s style and branding were derived from NewJeans, with Belift Lab asserting that their concepts predated any alleged leaks from ADOR.

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The first court hearing on the matter also took place on January 10, coinciding with the choreographers’ resignations.