"Thanks to her shanman culture was internationally recognised"— Internet divided as Sisa Journal names Min Hee-jin as '2024 Cultural Figure'

Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of ADOR, has been named Sisa Journal’s "2024 Cultural Figure of the Year." This recognition sparked polarized reactions across the internet. While many praised her for redefining musical concepts and achieving remarkable cultural milestones with the girl group NewJeans, others questioned the choice, citing her high-profile dispute with HYBE.

Joining Min Hee-jin in Sisa Journal’s list were other notable personalities, including Han Kang, the Nobel Prize-winning author, who was named Person of the Year. BLACKPINK’s Rosé was celebrated as the Entertainment Figure of the Year for her global influence, among other well-known figures.

The journal emphasized the cultural and social impact of these figures, reflecting on their transformative roles across various fields. However, netizens' reactions to Min Hee-jin’s recognition were divided. Some pointed to her ongoing feud with HYBE, questioning the suitability of her selection amid unresolved legal battles.

Some even brought up allegations of her involvement in shamanistic practices in connection with the ongoing feud and conflicts involving groups both within and outside the label. An X user, @Magical7world wrote,

"Yeah , She did a great job bringing the shanman culture to light. Thanks to her shanman culture was internationally recognized."

Others too joined in and were skeptical of her recent controversies.

"LOL Did they send her a trophy drawn in crayon too. Culture Figure this is the best joke of the year," a netizen remarked.

"Cultural figure who ruined kpop," another user wrote on X.

"Cultural fighter award drama. She can also take an Oscar," a person mentioned.

"Name things that are common btwn Yoon Suk Yeol & Min Hee Jin? They both got forced out of their positions cz they are cr@zy & made irresponsible decisions for power, their bdays r a day apart, they blindly followed a shaman to do evil things, they’re both on Sisa Journal list," a user wrote.

However, supporters highlighted her innovative approach to K-pop and her pivotal role in NewJeans’ success.

"That's really amazing to know," a fan mentioned.

"This is huge! She's truly shaping the future of K-pop culture!," another X user wrote.

"she keeps winning im crying," a netizen remarked.

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More About Min Hee-jin From Sisa Journal

According to Sisa Journal, Min Hee-jin's influence in redefining K-pop was unparalleled in 2024. They credited her for reshaping industry norms through NewJeans’ groundbreaking concepts, which combined fresh aesthetics with timeless appeal.

The group’s meteoric rise—fueled by hits like Attention and Super Shy—cemented their status as global icons and showcased Min Hee-jin’s creative direction.

Meanwhile, Sisa Journal’s comprehensive list of influential figures for 2024 highlighted a diverse array of individuals across various fields. Nobel Prize laureate Han Kang was named Person of the Year for her contributions to literature, reflecting South Korea’s global cultural impact.

In politics, President Yoon Seok-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee were acknowledged for their influence on national and social spheres. Culinary entrepreneur Baek Jong-won led the list of economic figures, while Jensen Huang, stood out in IT, medical, and scientific advancements.

In entertainment, BLACKPINK’s Rosé shone as the top figure, and badminton champion An Se-young was celebrated as the sports personality of the year.

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The prolonged conflict involving HYBE, ADOR, Min Hee-jin, and NewJeans has persisted for months, leaving fans and industry insiders eager for a resolution.