Two years ago, Min Hee Jin stood before the press in a blue baseball cap, delivering sharp, emotional remarks that shook the K-pop industry. That combative image is now contrasted with her latest appearance this time as an executive speaking of reconciliation and forfeiting tens of billions of won.
On February 25, Min Hee Jin, former CEO of ADOR and current head of OOAK Records, proposed what she described as an end to the prolonged conflict with HYBE. By offering to give up ₩25.6 billion in put option proceeds, she called for all civil and criminal lawsuits to be withdrawn, effectively suggesting a “ceasefire” in a dispute that began in April 2024.
Here is a look back at the dramatic arc of Min Hee Jin’s press conferences.
April 2024: “Gae-jussi” (combination of “gae” meaning dog and “ajussi” meaning middle-aged man) Remarks and an Unprecedented Press Conference
The saga began in April 2024, shortly after HYBE accused Min Hee Jin of attempting to seize management control and filed a complaint against her.
At her first press conference, Min appeared in casual attire and a cap, vehemently denying the allegations. She argued that HYBE’s audit and legal actions were unjust and reframed the dispute as a clash of creative philosophies rather than a simple power struggle.
Her emotionally charged language and blunt expressions generated massive public attention. The press conference quickly became one of the most talked-about events in K-pop history, drawing both industry and mainstream media scrutiny.
May 2024: A Victory in Court and an Olive Branch
The tone shifted at her second press conference in May 2024. This came after the court granted an injunction preventing HYBE from exercising voting rights to dismiss her as ADOR’s CEO, temporarily giving Min the upper hand legally.
Wearing a bright yellow jacket and offering a composed smile, she extended what appeared to be her first public gesture of reconciliation toward HYBE. She expressed willingness to compromise for the sake of NewJeans and hinted at the possibility of resolving the conflict.
However, after eventually stepping down from her CEO position at ADOR, the dispute escalated into a prolonged legal battle.
January 2026: “Tampering” Allegations and Intensifying Lawsuits
The third press conference took place amid intensifying litigation. It followed ADOR filing a damages lawsuit reportedly worth ₩43 billion against Min Hee Jin and NewJeans member Danielle over alleged “tampering” attempts.
At the time, a first-instance ruling regarding Min’s ₩25.6 billion put option claim against HYBE was imminent. The focus of the press conference centered on the “NewJeans tampering” allegations.
Notably, Min herself did not speak that day her legal representative addressed the media instead. Her side argued that the tampering narrative was a distorted frame and even referenced potential external influences and member family involvement, claiming they were being unfairly portrayed as instigators.
February 2026: Forfeiting ₩25.6 Billion Sincere Sacrifice or Strategic Move?
On February 25, Min Hee Jin held her fourth press conference and, in effect, declared a desire to end the conflict.
Despite winning the first trial regarding the put option payment, she announced she would relinquish the ₩25.6 billion in exchange for HYBE withdrawing all lawsuits and restoring stability for NewJeans and their fans. She stated that she wanted to end a situation where “artists who belong on stage are standing in courtrooms instead.”
Her message was clear: artists come before money.
However, the atmosphere at the venue was tense. The press conference, announced abruptly just a day prior, lasted only 15 minutes and did not include a Q&A session. Reporters reportedly protested, questioning why they were invited if no questions would be taken.
A Battle of Principles, Not Just Money
Min Hee Jin concluded by suggesting that both sides should meet “on the stage of creativity, not in court.”
Her decision to forfeit ₩25.6 billion is undeniably significant. Yet observers question whether this is a genuine act of sacrifice for the artists or a calculated exit strategy aimed at shifting public sentiment.
For HYBE, the issue may extend beyond financial considerations. While Min secured victory in the first trial, the court acknowledged circumstances suggesting she sought independence but determined that concrete execution had not been proven.
HYBE is expected to pursue an appeal, potentially aiming to strengthen evidence of what it considers “breach of trust” to reinforce governance principles within its multi-label system. Additionally, unresolved controversies including allegations affecting corporate reputation remain at stake.
Industry analysts note that HYBE may find it difficult to withdraw easily, as the dispute now revolves not only around money but also corporate honor, governance standards, and narrative control.
Is This the True End?
After 15 minutes without questions, one phrase lingered: ₩25.6 billion.
Whether Min Hee Jin’s bold proposal becomes a masterstroke that restores harmony in K-pop or another strategic move in a battle of public opinion now depends on HYBE’s response and on how the public interprets her latest transformation from “firebrand” to “peacemaker.”
For now, the war of numbers may be less decisive than the war of principles.
Sources: Daum
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