On November 27, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Agreement Division 31 held another hearing for both lawsuits: HYBE’s suit seeking confirmation of termination of the shareholder agreement with Min Hee-jin, and Min Hee-jin’s counter-lawsuit demanding payment for her exercised put option. The court also conducted an additional round of questioning for Min.
The two sides remain in sharp conflict over key issues including the non-compete clause in the shareholder agreement, HYBE’s alleged album “sajaegi/forced distribution,” ILLIT’s alleged copying of NewJeans, and Min’s alleged unauthorized contact with investors.
Returning to the witness stand after her testimony in September, Min reiterated her stance on the dispute that began in April last year, when tensions between HYBE and Min intensified. In August 2024, HYBE’s board voted to remove Min from her CEO position at ADOR. Min argues that the conflict escalated because she protested ILLIT’s alleged copying of NewJeans, leading HYBE to retaliate.
Min recalled that when ILLIT’s debut teaser was released, she immediately received calls from NewJeans’ parents. “They asked, ‘Why isn’t my child in this?’ That’s how similar it was to NewJeans,” she said. She added that NewJeans had been “treated like luggage being transferred” when moved from Source Music to ADOR.
Regarding ILLIT’s alleged copying, she stated, “I felt they were scorning us. I couldn’t help but think, ‘How insignificant must they think we are to do this?’”
In July last year, HYBE claimed Min tried to privatize NewJeans and ADOR, causing harm to the company and its affiliated labels, and announced the termination of the shareholder agreement. Min was officially removed as ADOR’s CEO the following month.
In November 2024, Min stepped down from her position as an internal director at ADOR and notified HYBE of her intention to exercise her put option. HYBE responded that the option was invalid because the shareholder agreement had already been terminated in July 2024.
Min’s side argues that no violation occurred, insisting HYBE’s termination notice holds no legal weight. Therefore, they claim her put option is valid, and HYBE must pay the corresponding amount.
The legal battle between Min Hee-jin and HYBE continues to draw intense public attention, as the outcome may reshape industry conversations about label autonomy, artist management, and fair corporate governance in K-pop.
Sources: Daum
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