HYBE, a prominent K-pop label, recently found itself at the centre of a legal dispute involving former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin. Known for her instrumental role in launching the popular girl group NewJeans, Min Hee Jin is now in a battle to regain her position as the CEO of ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE. The controversy surrounding her dismissal has garnered widespread attention, especially among NewJeans fans.
On September 13, HYBE released an official statement addressing Min Hee Jin’s recent legal action. The former CEO filed an injunction seeking to be reinstated as both CEO and inside director of ADOR. In response, HYBE clarified that her shareholder agreement with the company had been terminated, making her claims invalid. HYBE emphasized that a lawsuit had already been filed to confirm this termination, and they are currently awaiting the court’s ruling.
In addition to this, HYBE explained that Min Hee Jin’s removal was a business decision made independently by ADOR’s board of directors. The company pointed out that it had no involvement in her dismissal and that the shareholder agreement did not play a role in the board’s decision. HYBE expressed regret over Min Hee Jin’s failure to respect the board’s authority.
Earlier on the same day, Min Hee Jin filed an injunction claiming her dismissal violated her agreement, which she believes guarantees her a five-year term in both roles. Her legal team continues to argue that this agreement remains valid despite HYBE’s statements to the contrary. The dispute has intensified, as Min Hee Jin pushes to reclaim her leadership at ADOR.
Interestingly, on September 11, all five members of NewJeans conducted a live broadcast on YouTube, addressing the controversy. The members issued a public ultimatum, calling for HYBE to reinstate Min Hee Jin as CEO by September 25. This bold move has further fueled the discussion, as fans eagerly await HYBE’s next steps.
About Min Hee Jin and NewJeans
Min Hee Jin has played a pivotal role in shaping the image and success of NewJeans, one of the hottest-rising K-pop groups. Her influence as a creative producer has been widely acknowledged, making her recent departure from ADOR a major concern for the group and their fans. As the legal battle unfolds, NewJeans and their fanbase remain hopeful for a resolution.
