BTS’s V (Kim Taehyung) has addressed the use of his KakaoTalk conversations as evidence in the ongoing lawsuit between HYBE and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin.
On June 20th, V posted on his Instagram, stating, “It was a part of a private, everyday conversation I shared with an acquaintance, out of empathy. I had absolutely no intention of siding with either party.”
He added, “However, I am very taken aback that the conversation was submitted as evidence without my consent.”
On June 12th, the 31st Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of Min Hee-jin in the lawsuit filed by HYBE against her, seeking confirmation of the termination of the shareholder agreement, and in the lawsuit filed by Min Hee-jin against HYBE, seeking payment for the exercise of put options.
The court dismissed HYBE’s claims and ordered HYBE to pay Min Hee-jin approximately 25.5 billion KRW. The court also deemed Min Hee-jin’s allegation that ILLIT copied NewJeans as a legitimate expression of opinion.
Notably, Min Hee-jin’s side submitted KakaoTalk conversations with V as evidence, which the court accepted. The conversation reportedly included V stating that he “thought it was similar” regarding the plagiarism allegations against ILLIT. V expressed his dismay at this information being revealed without his consent.
Meanwhile, HYBE filed an appeal on June 19th, challenging the court’s ruling.
