On February 12, HYBE released an official statement addressing the court’s decision regarding the lawsuit to confirm the termination of its shareholder agreement with Min Hee Jin. The company expressed regret that its arguments were not fully accepted and stated that it plans to review the ruling in detail before moving forward with further legal procedures, including filing an appeal.
Earlier that day, the Civil Agreement Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court dismissed HYBE’s claim seeking confirmation of the termination of the shareholder agreement. At the same time, the court ruled in favor of Min Hee Jin in her separate lawsuit demanding payment related to the exercise of her put option. The court ordered HYBE to pay approximately 25.5 billion won (around 19 million USD) to Min, affirming that her exercise of the put option was valid. HYBE was also ordered to bear the legal costs.
The dispute dates back to April 2024, when HYBE launched an internal audit, alleging that Min had attempted to seize management control of ADOR by contacting outside investors to explore the label’s independence from HYBE. In August of that year, HYBE notified Min of the termination of the shareholder agreement, citing breach of contract.
Min Hee Jin countered that HYBE’s actions were retaliatory, stemming from her public claims that another HYBE label’s girl group, ILLIT, had copied ADOR’s NewJeans. In November 2024, she formally notified HYBE of her intention to exercise her put option, which would allow her to sell a significant portion of her ADOR shares back to the company at a predetermined price. Under the agreement, Min held an 18% stake in ADOR and was entitled to exercise the put option on 13.5% of those shares, amounting to roughly 25.5 billion won.
HYBE refused payment, arguing that Min’s alleged attempt to secure management control constituted a serious contractual violation that justified termination of the agreement. However, the court determined that while Min had explored potential investment options, such plans were structured to require HYBE’s consent and therefore could not independently take effect. The judges concluded that the actions did not amount to a breach serious enough to justify terminating the contract.
The court also found that Min’s public comments regarding alleged similarities between ILLIT and NewJeans were expressions of opinion rather than factual claims, making it difficult to categorize them as the dissemination of false information. The ruling emphasized that terminating the contract would have caused clear and substantial harm to Min, and that HYBE had not sufficiently proven grounds for such action.
Following the verdict, Min Hee Jin’s newly established agency, ooak Records, issued a statement expressing respect for the court’s careful and objective judgment. The company said the decision reaffirmed the validity of the shareholder agreement and the legitimacy of Min’s put option rights. ooak Records added that Min hopes the case will serve as an opportunity for the K-pop industry to reflect on unfair practices and the seriousness of contractual commitments. The agency also thanked fans and industry professionals for their patience throughout the lengthy legal battle and stated that it now intends to focus on future creative and business endeavors rather than past disputes.
Meanwhile, HYBE reiterated its intention to challenge the ruling through the appeals process.
The legal conflict unfolds against the backdrop of additional tensions involving NewJeans. In October last year, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of ADOR in a separate case confirming the validity of exclusive contracts with the five NewJeans members. Following internal discussions, members Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni officially returned to ADOR, while Minji’s status remains under discussion and Danielle was formally removed from the group. ADOR has since filed a separate lawsuit seeking substantial damages, reportedly amounting to tens of billions of won, against Danielle, her family, and Min Hee Jin over alleged contractual breaches.
As the dispute between HYBE and Min Hee Jin moves into the appeals stage, the outcome is expected to have significant implications for corporate governance and contractual practices within the K-pop industry.
Sources: Nate, Daum