On February 25, Min Hee Jin, CEO of OOAK Records and former CEO of ADOR, held a press conference at a location in Jongno, Seoul. The conference comes after a recent court ruling in her ongoing legal battle with HYBE.
Earlier on February 12, the Civil Agreement Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Chief Judge Nam In Soo, ruled in favor of Min Hee Jin in the lawsuit filed by HYBE seeking confirmation of the termination of their shareholder agreement. The court also ruled that HYBE must pay Min Hee Jin ₩25.5 billion in stock sale proceeds.
During the press conference, Min Hee Jin stated, “I held this press conference to make a meaningful proposal to HYBE. Of all the reasons that led me to this decision, the most urgent one is the members of NewJeans.” She continued, “In exchange for giving up ₩25.6 billion, I propose that all ongoing civil and criminal lawsuits be immediately halted and that all disputes be brought to an end.”
She expressed concern over the current situation of the members, saying, “I can no longer watch a reality where five members who should be happily standing on stage are instead divided some on stage, some in court. The members performing must also be in pain, and not only fans but no one can view this situation happily.” She emphasized, “With hearts so deeply torn apart, it is impossible to create good culture.”
Min Hee Jin also addressed her original vision when launching NewJeans. “I had a creative vision when I launched NewJeans. I regret not being able to see it through to the end, but I sincerely ask that ADOR fulfill its promise in court that it would treat NewJeans well if they return,” she said. She proposed that an environment be created where “all five NewJeans members can come together and freely pursue their dreams.”
Following Min’s proposal, HYBE told Star News on the same day, “We have no position.”
NewJeans previously declared unilateral termination of their exclusive contracts in November 2024. However, the court ruled in favor of ADOR. Following the decision, members Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni returned to ADOR, while Minji is reportedly still in discussions with the agency.
Meanwhile, ADOR notified Danielle of the termination of her exclusive contract. The agency also stated that it would pursue legal responsibility against “one family member of Danielle and former CEO Min Hee Jin, who bear significant responsibility for causing this dispute and the departure and delayed return of NewJeans.” Legal proceedings have since begun.
Sources: Nate, Daum
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