ADOR third ceo

Photo Credit: Lee Do-kyong for ADOR

NewJeans label ADOR has named its third CEO in four years since ousting Min Hee-jin over a legal battle concerning the group.

Hybe-owned label ADOR has named Lee Do-kyong as its new CEO, replacing Kim Ju-young after just a year. The outgoing Kim was appointed in August last year to replace Min Hee-jin, who is still in a legal dispute with Hybe over allegations that she tried to seize control of ADOR independently from its relationship with Hybe.

According to the label, Lee’s appointment reflects a pivot toward reinforcing ADOR’s role in planning and managing artists’ music and performances. Lee was previously the vice president of Hybe’s IPX division, which develops artist IP-based businesses including licensing, merchandising, and fan experiences.

“Having deemed the previous restructuring goals achieved, the board is now moving to an operational model focused on quickly supporting artists’ activities and driving business expansion,” said ADOR in a statement.

Lee joined Hybe—then Big Hit Entertainment—in 2019, helping steer business strategy and new ventures. In 2022, she took the helm at Hybe’s IPX to oversee merchandising such as pop-up stores and light stick operations. She also spearheaded “The City,” a large-scale project that extended fan experiences across entire cities where Hybe artist concerts were being held.

ADOR says the appointment of Lee underscores the company’s more agile structure to support its roster. In June, the label launched the “2025 ADOR Boys Global Audition” to recruit members for a next-gen boy band.

The label also still manages girl group NewJeans, which is embroiled in a contractual dispute with Hybe. That dispute stems from allegations that former CEO and ADOR founder Min Hee-jin, who was also instrumental in debuting the girl group, attempted to seize control of the subsidiary.

Recently, NewJeans failed to challenge a court injunction preventing the group from pursuing independent activities without prior approval from ADOR.