Min Hee-jin has made a dramatic new move in her ongoing legal battle with HYBE.
On 25 February, the former ADOR CEO and founder of ooak records held a brief six-minute press conference in Jongno, Seoul, proposing that HYBE drop all ongoing lawsuits involving her and members of NewJeans in exchange for her giving up a 25.6 billion won (approximately US$17.7 million) court-awarded payment.
What is the US$17.7M about?
Earlier this month, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in Min’s favour in a civil case centred on a shareholders’ agreement and put-option dispute. The court ordered HYBE to pay her between 25.5 and 25.6 billion won.
However, HYBE has since filed an appeal and successfully obtained a stay of enforcement, meaning the payment is currently paused while the legal dispute continues.
Min’s proposal
Reading from a prepared statement, Min said she is willing to “exchange the 25.6 billion won for another value,” adding that what she desires more than the money is an end to the prolonged conflict.
She called on HYBE to withdraw:
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All civil and criminal lawsuits involving her
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Cases involving NewJeans members
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Legal disputes concerning former ADOR employees and external partners
Min directly addressed HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk, saying: “Let us meet through our work, through music and creation.”
After delivering her remarks, she exited without taking questions.
Ongoing lawsuits
Beyond the 25.6 billion won case, several legal disputes remain active, including:
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A damages suit filed by HYBE subsidiary BELIFT LAB
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A case involving SOURCE MUSIC
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A reported 43.1 billion won damages claim filed by HYBE involving Min and related parties
HYBE has indicated that the matter should proceed through legal channels and has not agreed to Min’s proposal.
The press conference marks Min’s third official media appearance since the public feud began last year. With appeals underway and multiple lawsuits still pending, the legal battle between Min and HYBE is far from over.
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