(ATTN: UPDATES with more quotes from Min, background information in paras 7-15; ADDS photo)
By Shim Sun-ah
Min Hee-jin, now leading her own label Ooak Records, announced a significant proposition at a press conference in Seoul. This announcement followed a recent court ruling partially in her favor in an ongoing legal dispute with Hybe Corporation, the parent company of ADOR.
“I have decided to exchange 25.6 billion won for another value,” Min stated. “The reason is the NewJeans members,” she clarified, referring to the popular ADOR girl group she conceptualized.
“In return for giving up the 25.6 billion won, I propose that all civil and criminal lawsuits between us be concluded,” Min added, signaling a desire for resolution.
Min emphasized her concern for the well-being of both the NewJeans members and their fans, stating, “I cannot watch some standing on stage while others stand in court,” suggesting the situation was detrimental to all parties involved.
Her comments follow the Seoul Central District Court’s decision earlier this month to dismiss Hybe’s lawsuit seeking to validate the termination of its shareholder agreement with Min and another executive.
The court also stipulated that Hybe must pay Min 25.5 billion won as part of a put option due to the agreement’s validity. While the court acknowledged Min’s potential efforts to establish NewJeans’ independence from ADOR, it deemed these actions insufficient to constitute a serious breach of contract.
Hybe filed an appeal last week. The same court granted Hybe’s request to suspend the put option payment pending the appeal ruling on Wednesday.
The conflict initially arose in April 2024 amidst allegations that Min plotted to seize management control of ADOR, claims she has consistently denied. She was ultimately dismissed from her CEO position in August of that year.
Three months later, Min formally notified Hybe of her intention to exercise her put option, which Hybe rejected, claiming her shareholder contract had been terminated. The put option would have entitled Min to 75 percent of her stake in ADOR.
In related news, NewJeans reportedly terminated their contract with ADOR, citing a breakdown of trust due to Min’s dismissal. However, a court ruled last October that the exclusive contract between NewJeans and ADOR remains valid. Two months later, the label initiated legal action against Danielle, her family, and Min, seeking approximately 43.1 billion won in total compensation. ADOR terminated its contract with Danielle while accepting the return of the four other members.
Alluding to the member involved in the legal matter, Min stated, “Hybe and I belong on the creative stage, not in court. Launching NewJeans was born from a creative vision I still hold dear. Although I regret not being able to complete it, I hope Hybe will keep its promise to welcome the group when it is back.”
“Please create an environment where all five members can reunite and freely pursue their dreams. Helping artists shine again is what adults should do. For me, 25.6 billion won is not greater than restoring a healthy K-pop ecosystem and the peace of artists’ daily lives.”
Min concluded the press conference by stating her intention to leave her former role at ADOR and concentrate on her new venture.
“I will devote all my energy to nurturing new K-pop artists and presenting creative visions,” she affirmed. “From now on, I hope there will be no more wasteful press conferences. I will meet you again not in a press conference or a courtroom, but on the stage of creation, doing what I do best.”
