Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Former SM visual director joins Big Hit Entertainment
By Jung Min-ho
Min Hee-jin. / Courtesy of Big Hit Entertainment
By Jung Min-ho
The woman behind the success of Girls' Generation and SHINee has joined the agency of the global K-pop sensation BTS as chief brand officer, Big Hit Entertainment announced Monday.
Big Hit Entertainment said Min Hee-jin, a former SM Entertainment visual director, will be in charge of brand management as the company pushes for structural reform and overseas expansion.
The agency said she will also lead a project to launch a girl group.
Min, who joined SM Entertainment in 2002, played a major role in creating the brand images of some of its most successful K-pop groups, including Girls' Generation, Red Velvet, f(x) and SHINee. She left the company last year for unknown reasons.
“I'm glad to have an opportunity to continue my career as a creator at Big Hit Entertainment. I also feel some pressure (for success),” Min said in a statement.
“After talking about the Big Hit Entertainment's future with officials, I could feel their will to change and vision for growth.”
CEO Bang Si-hyuk welcomed her, saying “We believe her knowledge and talent will help give wings to Big Hit Entertainment and its business.”