Former HYBE CEO Park Ji-won has finally addressed one of the most controversial corporate disputes in K-pop history, offering his perspective on the legal battle with Min Hee-jin and the court ruling that favored her.
In a recent interview, Park Ji-won directly responded to the now-infamous remark “ADOR is nothing without Min Hee-jin” which played a key role in the court’s decision. According to him, the statement was never meant to reflect the company’s actual valuation, but rather to manage tensions during a sensitive negotiation process.
“Taken Out of Context,” Says Former HYBE CEO
Park Ji-won explained that the court’s interpretation relied too heavily on isolated phrases rather than the broader context of executive-level negotiations.
“I don’t think the full context of the conversation was properly reflected in the ruling,” he said, emphasizing that such statements are often made strategically in high-stakes discussions.
At the time, HYBE and Min Hee-jin then head of ADOR were renegotiating shareholder agreements. While HYBE had already agreed to repurchase her shares at 13 times their market value, Min Hee-jin reportedly pushed for a significantly higher 30x multiple, intensifying the conflict.
Park Ji-won clarified that his comment praising Min Hee-jin’s importance was intended to ease tensions, not to suggest that ADOR’s value depended entirely on a single individual. He stressed that within HYBE’s system-driven structure, no company could become “empty” simply due to a leadership change.
Disputed Intentions and the “Go Ahead” Message
Another controversial point in the ruling involved a message Park Ji-won sent after hearing allegations that Min Hee-jin was exploring external investment options to gain control of ADOR.
The court interpreted his reply “let her do it” as passive approval. However, Park Ji-won countered this claim, explaining that the message reflected disbelief rather than consent.
He stated that, at the time, the idea seemed unrealistic given HYBE’s majority stake. According to him, a deeper internal review began shortly after, as suspicions gradually intensified.
As investigations progressed, Park Ji-won claimed HYBE uncovered documents and strategies suggesting a broader plan, including public opinion campaigns and external investor involvement.
“Album Pushing” Allegations Firmly Denied
Park Ji-won also addressed accusations that HYBE encouraged “album pushing,” a practice often associated with artificially inflating sales figures.
He firmly denied the claim, stating that any discussions referenced in court were standard marketing strategies aimed at managing inventory discrepancies.
He explained that mismatches between supply and demand are common in the music industry, and promotional efforts to clear stock are part of normal business operations. Supporting his argument, he cited HYBE’s 2023 figures, noting that only 0.32% of total album sales were returned, which he described as a very low ratio.
Industry Impact: A Breakdown of Trust
Beyond the legal battle, Park Ji-won expressed concern about the broader implications for the K-pop industry. He pointed to a growing breakdown in trust between investors and creative producers an issue he believes could have lasting consequences.
“The foundation of the multi-label system is trust and fair competition,” he stated, adding that the dispute may make companies more cautious about granting autonomy and high compensation to producers in the future.
According to Park Ji-won, the entertainment industry already operates on high risk, and the added uncertainty surrounding personal conflicts could further discourage investment.
The ongoing fallout between HYBE and Min Hee-jin continues to reshape conversations around power, trust, and structure within K-pop’s multi-label system. While the court ruling marked a significant victory for Min Hee-jin, Park Ji-won’s latest statements reveal a more complex narrative behind the scenes.
Sources: Nate,Newsis