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“‘I Came to See CEO Min Hee-jin’… Jeonnam National University Lecture Hall Heated With Excitement” jnilbo.com/news/articleVi… - Students sat on the floor taking notes… not even room to stand - “Her broad and thoughtful answers were impressive” — a candid discussion - Visit to Gwangju amid controversy… a space for communication that broke prejudices Reporter Kim Seok-hee On the 12th, despite the continuing gloomy weather, the convention hall at Yongji Hall of Jeonnam National University was packed shoulder to shoulder with young people. The reason was the special lecture by Min Hee-jin titled “Imagining K-Culture and K-Pop in Gwangju at Jeonnam National University!” hosted by the university’s 5·18 Research Institute. The convention hall was filled with students and citizens alike, and some attendees who could not find seats even sat leaning against the back wall of the venue, taking notes while listening attentively, reflecting the intense atmosphere on site. The event was organized to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 5·18 Research Institute and the 46th anniversary of the 5·18 Democratic Uprising. According to the institute, the lecture was planned to connect K-pop — now established as a major global mainstream culture — with Gwangju’s spirit of democracy, human rights, and peace, while also broadening cultural engagement with younger generations. Originally, the lecture had been scheduled as a dialogue between Professor Park Gu-yong of Jeonnam National University’s Department of Philosophy and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. However, at the actual event, Min instead spent time directly answering questions from students and citizens before the formal discussion, drawing attention for the interactive format. A 22-year-old Jeonnam National University student surnamed Yang, who attended the lecture, said, “I ended up coming as part of a class replacement assignment, but I had always wanted to see former CEO Min Hee-jin in person.” Yang added, “Someone asked how to develop aesthetic sensibilities, and I was really impressed by how broadly and deeply Min answered the question.” Young attendees also shared candid thoughts about how the event’s theme connected to the lecture itself. Yang commented, “I was a little puzzled about exactly where K-pop and the May 18 movement connected,” but added, “Still, I think it’s a positive thing and a great opportunity for young people that such a famous figure came to Gwangju, which can sometimes feel less accessible.” Yang continued, “Even though she is currently at the center of controversy, I appreciated that this became a sincere space for communication without people trying to judge or belittle her through a biased lens.” Another Jeonnam National University student, a 24-year-old surnamed Lee, said, “I came because I was curious how they would connect K-pop and the May 18 movement, but honestly, it wasn’t entirely clear to me what the exact intention behind inviting her was as part of the 30th anniversary event for the 5·18 Research Institute.” Meanwhile, former CEO Min, who spoke at the event, is known as a highly influential figure in the K-pop industry. During her time at SM Entertainment, she planned the distinctive concepts for artists such as SHINee, f(x), EXO, and Red Velvet. She later went on to successfully launch the girl group NewJeans as the head of ADOR under HYBE.

@pannchoa They should both do a documentary TOGETHER!!

@pitmystop_ @seungsmya Oh flopjeanz where are you🤭

So so popular 🌟💫✨2026.05.12 Min Hee Jin the CEO of OOAK Records, delivers the lecture at the Yongji Conference Hall of Chonnam National University in Buk-gu, Gwangju, on the afternoon. Source: news1.kr/photos/7901868