In a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between HYBE and Min Hee-jin, a newly released ruling from the Seoul High Court has revealed that the former CEO of ADOR had actively explored ways to break away from HYBE’s control and independently manage the label — potentially taking NewJeans with her.
According to the court documents, Min Hee-jin had expressed dissatisfaction with the shareholder agreement terms since 2023 and was “looking for ways to exit HYBE’s management scope or independently govern ADOR.” The court interpreted her actions as an attempt to dismantle the integrated structure that had supported ADOR, its artists, and HYBE.
This revelation casts a new light on Min’s repeated public assertions that she was acting in the best interest of NewJeans. The ruling suggests her efforts were not merely defensive but involved proactive attempts at separation well before the dispute with HYBE became public.
The high-profile legal feud between Min and HYBE has drawn intense media scrutiny, particularly because of its implications for NewJeans — currently one of K-pop’s most successful girl groups. Industry observers believe this court ruling may mark the beginning of a deeper rift, possibly leading to battles over management rights, artist contracts, and broader repercussions within the entertainment industry.
Online reaction has been swift, with netizens expressing shock over the discrepancy between Min’s public statements and the court’s findings. The narrative that she was solely focused on protecting NewJeans is now under question, as the documents suggest long-standing efforts to take control of the group outside HYBE’s jurisdiction.
With the legal fight still ongoing, this ruling strengthens HYBE’s position and raises the stakes for what could be one of the most defining power struggles in K-pop history.
