Seoul: Former ADOR chief executive Min Hee-jin on Wednesday offered to end all legal disputes with K-pop giant Hybe in return for waiving a 25.6 billion-won (US$17.89 million) put option payout she expects from the company. Min, who now heads her own label Ooak Records, made the announcement at a press conference in central Seoul held shortly after a local court ruled partly in her favor in an ongoing legal battle with Hybe, the parent company of ADOR.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Min stated, "I have decided to exchange 25.6 billion won for another value," emphasizing her commitment to the NewJeans members, a popular ADOR girl group she created. Min proposed that all civil and criminal lawsuits between her and Hybe be concluded in exchange for giving up the financial claim. She expressed her discomfort with the ongoing legal battles, describing the situation as painful for both the members and fans.
Her comments followed a recent ruling by the Seoul Central District Court, which dismissed Hybe's lawsuit aimed at confirming the termination of its shareholders' agreement with Min and another executive. The court upheld the validity of the agreement between Min and Hybe, requiring the company to pay the 25.5 billion-won put option. While Hybe appealed the decision, the court granted the company's request to stay the execution of the payment pending further legal proceedings.
The conflict between Min and Hybe began in April 2024 over allegations that Min attempted to seize management control of ADOR, which she denied. Following her dismissal as CEO in August 2024, Min sought to exercise her put option, which Hybe rejected, arguing that her shareholder contract was void. This option would have entitled Min to 75 percent of her stake in ADOR.
In a related turn of events, NewJeans terminated its contract with ADOR, citing a breakdown of trust following Min's dismissal. Despite this, a court ruled in October that their exclusive contract with ADOR remains valid. Subsequently, ADOR filed a lawsuit against Danielle, her family, and Min, seeking significant compensation while terminating its contract with Danielle and accepting the return of four other members.
Min appealed to Hybe to create an environment where all five members of NewJeans could reunite and pursue their dreams freely. She emphasized the importance of helping artists shine and restoring a healthy K-pop ecosystem. Min concluded the press conference by stating her intention to focus on her new company, Ooak Records, and her commitment to nurturing new K-pop artists and presenting creative visions. She expressed a desire to move beyond legal battles and press conferences, returning to the creative stage.