On the 13th, HYBE’s subsidiary Ador released an official statement on its website titled “Announcement from Ador.”
In response to an article featuring lawyer Lee Hyun-gon’s criticism of HYBE, Ador remarked, “We requested that a rebuttal be published,” further noting, “This is an exercise of the right to rebuttal to safeguard corporate value and artist intellectual property.”
Ador emphasized, “The decision to replace the CEO was solely within the authority of Ador’s board,” adding that, “The board retains the discretion to replace the CEO at any time based on its management judgment.”
The company expressed regret, stating that “criticism was targeted at one party in the dispute based solely on a specific lawyer’s statements, without any inquiries to us or providing the opportunity for rebuttal.”
According to Ador, lawyer Lee Hyun-gon acted as the legal representative for former CEO Min Hee-jin during an injunction lawsuit. Ador urged that media coverage related to the company should “ensure the right to rebuttal for impartial reporting.”
Previously, on the 12th, lawyer Lee Hyun-gon of Saeol Law Office shared his insights on the ongoing internal conflict between HYBE and Min Hee-jin.
Through his personal account, he alleged, “HYBE continues to bring legal issues against Min Hee-jin, including accusations of embezzlement, company takeover, and sexual harassment cover-up, not to reach a resolution but to prolong these legal disputes.”
He further criticized HYBE’s actions, stating, “They are operating without regard for the law, under the guise of being in dispute. It’s reminiscent of gangster-like tactics. I do not regard the misuse of law in this manner positively.” Multiple media outlets subsequently reported on the internal conflict between HYBE and Min Hee-jin based on Lee’s comments.
In the meantime, Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of Ador, who has been in conflict with HYBE since April, was dismissed from her position during a board meeting on the 27th of last month. In response, even NewJeans members, who had previously remained neutral in the conflict, called for her return during a live broadcast.
Additionally, HYBE CEO Lee Jae-sang stated during the shareholders’ meeting on the 12th, “While it may take time, we are responding calmly and in accordance with principles.”
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