The K-pop industry is once again in turmoil following former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin’s legal victory in her put option lawsuit against HYBE. On February 12, the Seoul Central District Court ruled that HYBE must pay Min approximately ₩25.5 billion (around $19 million USD), concluding that she did not violate her shareholder agreement despite seeking independence for ADOR.
The decision has triggered strong reactions across the industry, particularly given the ongoing fallout surrounding NewJeans. Critics argue that Min Hee Jin—widely viewed as a central figure in the conflict that fractured the group—now stands to receive hundreds of billions of won while the artists themselves face instability and legal disputes.
On February 13, the Korea Entertainment Producers’ Association (KEPA) publicly expressed concern that the ruling could set a dangerous precedent. In a statement, the association warned that the verdict might be interpreted as granting a “tempering immunity,” suggesting that even if an independence attempt was made, it could be excused so long as it was not fully executed. They emphasized that in trust-based industries like K-pop, intent alone can severely destabilize partnerships.
Notably, this ruling contrasts with previous court decisions involving NewJeans’ exclusive contract disputes. In earlier proceedings, courts sided with ADOR and indicated that Min Hee Jin had played a pivotal role in escalating tensions, including allegedly attempting to pursue independence alongside the group. However, in the put option case, the court determined that her actions were premised on HYBE’s consent, therefore not constituting a breach of contract.
One particularly debated piece of evidence was a message referring to making ADOR an “empty shell.” While previous courts interpreted the phrase as implying the removal of NewJeans, the put option court concluded it referred instead to Min Hee Jin’s own departure. The starkly different interpretations of the same evidence have fueled further controversy.
Additional disputes—including allegations of album push marketing and plagiarism—were also viewed differently by the put option court, even though other legal proceedings had previously dismissed such claims as unfounded. In this case, some allegations were partially acknowledged as factual, adding to the perception of inconsistent judicial reasoning.
Industry insiders remain divided. KEPA reiterated its stance that “tempering”—the act of interfering with exclusive contracts—is destructive regardless of execution. They urged HYBE to appeal and called on higher courts to consider the broader structural implications for K-pop’s production ecosystem.
The so-called “NewJeans crisis,” which began in 2024 amid escalating tensions between HYBE and Min Hee Jin, has already reshaped the group’s trajectory. Once a five-member powerhouse, NewJeans’ lineup remains uncertain, with ongoing disputes and reports of massive penalty claims against individuals linked to the controversy.
While NewJeans’ future hangs in the balance, Min Hee Jin’s courtroom victory secures her substantial financial compensation. The case has now evolved beyond a single contractual dispute, becoming a flashpoint in the larger debate over trust, power, and governance in the K-pop industry.
Sources: TV Daily,Korea Entertainment Producers’ Association