Min Hee Jin Emotional in Court as Dispute with HYBE Intensifies

Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin expressed deep emotional distress during court proceedings concerning her legal battle with HYBE. On November 27, 2023, in the Seoul Central District Court, she detailed the psychological strain she experienced during her tenure at the company and subsequent departure. This hearing marks the third session focused on the validity of the termination of the shareholder agreement between Min and HYBE, as well as a lawsuit regarding a put option payment valued at approximately 26 billion KRW (about 17.8 million USD).

Min’s testimony captured attention as she broke down while recounting her emotional turmoil. “I was in severe psychological distress and had no choice but to leave,” she stated. “It is infuriating and agonising that people would bring up money in a situation like this.” Her comments reflect the intensity of her feelings regarding the ongoing dispute and the impact it has had on her life.

Details of the Dispute and Allegations

During her testimony, Min firmly rejected allegations that she had directed NewJeans member Hanni to attend a National Assembly audit. She defended the members of NewJeans, asserting, “The NewJeans girls are very smart. They are not children who act only when someone tells them to. It is insulting.” Furthermore, she expressed her disappointment about media coverage aligned with HYBE, stating, “Just because I did not respond does not mean I have nothing to say. This is all unfair.”

Min also addressed claims that her new project, ILLIT, copied NewJeans. She recounted how parents of NewJeans members were the first to raise concerns, questioning why their children were not included in her new venture. “Seeing something copied within the same company felt extremely disrespectful,” she said.

The recruitment process that brought Min to HYBE was also discussed in court. She revealed that after resigning from SM Entertainment on December 31, 2018, she was contacted by Bang Si Hyuk, the founder of HYBE, just two days later. He expressed his desire to create a successful girl group and emphasized his commitment by speaking directly to her parents.

Legal Proceedings and Future Implications

Min’s legal team argues that the notice of termination issued by HYBE is invalid, asserting that her exercised put option should remain legally binding. In contrast, HYBE claims that the shareholder agreement ended in July and that the put option carries no legal effect.

The court recognized the admissibility of certain KakaoTalk records in a related legal dispute involving NewJeans’ exclusive contract, which may significantly impact the outcome of Min’s ongoing lawsuit. The final hearing is set for December 18, 2023, with a ruling expected early in the following year.

As the legal proceedings continue, the emotional and financial stakes remain high for both Min and HYBE, with the outcome poised to influence the future of the entities involved and the music industry at large.