On February 25, KST, former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin held a press conference in Seoul to announce a proposal to HYBE. She stated that she was ready to give up her ₩25.6 billion KRW (about $17.9 million USD) worth of stock options she had won in her lawsuit if HYBE agreed to halt all ongoing civil and legal disputes against her, all NewJeans members, former ADOR employees, outside vendors, and NewJeans fans.

Unlike her other lengthy press meetings, this one lasted for less than ten minutes. After making this unconventional offer, Min quickly walked out of the venue. Throughout that time, a man was seen standing close by her side, piquing people’s curiosity about his identity.

Some NewJeans fans eventually recognized him as BLACK.Q, the choreographer and performance director behind many of the girl group’s hit songs, including “Attention,” “Hype Boy,” “OMG,” “Ditto,” and “Super Shy.”

BLACK.Q’s public appearance with Min Hee Jin further piqued people’s interest, leaving them pondering on the two’s relationship. His social media profile provided the answer—it listed Min’s current company, OOAK Records, signaling a continued professional association with Min Hee Jin. It is speculated that he will play a significant role in the new boy group she plans to launch soon.