As we step into 2024, an intriguing figure has captured the spotlight in the entertainment sector: Min Hee-jin. The former CEO of ADOR has openly criticized HYBE, the parent organization, sparking what many perceive as a significant “declaration of independence”for the popular group NewJeans. The past year has seen escalating tensions among HYBE, ADOR, Min Hee-jin, and NewJeans, culminating in an unprecedented dispute over contracts within the industry.
If 2024 served as a prelude, the year 2025 promises to unleash the full-scale conflict, with lawsuits dominating the narrative.
Lawsuit from Former ADOR Employee
On January 6, a former ADOR staff member, known as A, did not attend a mediation session regarding their defamation lawsuit against Min Hee-jin, which demands 100 million won in damages. The breakdown of mediation is likely to exacerbate the already high tensions between Min Hee-jin and A.
Who exactly is B? He is a pivotal figure in the ongoing turmoil surrounding HYBE’s claims of Min Hee-jin’s allegedly nefarious intentions to gain control of ADOR. Once part of HYBE’s accounting team, B transitioned to ADOR, where he closely collaborated with Min Hee-jin on numerous management matters. An audit by HYBE revealed that B had drafted a memo suggesting a controversial strategy to “transform ADOR into a mere shell and pressure HYBE to sell it,” which Min is believed to have received.
A’s choice to skip the mediation process reportedly links back to Min Hee-jin’s unwillingness to issue an apology. A had previously indicated a readiness to settle if Min acknowledged any wrongdoing. However, A’s legal team has expressed skepticism about achieving a resolution, pointing to Min’s uncooperative legal filings.
With mediation unsuccessful, the case is now set to advance to trial.
Plagiarism Allegations in the ILLIT Case
Just five days later, on January 10, Min Hee-jin will confront yet another lawsuit related to the plagiarism issues surrounding ILLIT. Last year, Source Music initiated a 500 million won lawsuit against Min Hee-jin, while Belift Lab, responsible for ILLIT, has filed a lawsuit for 2 billion won, accusing her of plagiarizing their concepts for her projects. The upcoming January 10 hearing will address the total combined claims of 2.5 billion won from both Source Music and Belift Lab.
In retaliation, Min Hee-jin has adopted an assertive approach, lodging a countersuit against Belift Lab for 5 billion won in damages, which is double the amount they have claimed, while also accusing Belift Lab’s executives of defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act.
HYBE’s Claims of Control Seizure over ADOR
Min Hee-jin will continue to counter HYBE’s accusations of attempting to commandeer ADOR. In April 2024, HYBE alleged that she breached her duties with claims of trying to gain management rights over ADOR. Following an exhaustive eight-hour police interrogation, Min Hee-jin dismissed these allegations as “absurd claims.”
HYBE’s allegations stem from A’s assertions regarding B’s memo, which allegedly included strategies to coax HYBE into selling shares of ADOR. The organization has produced text messages exchanged between Min Hee-jin and B that they argue signify a breach of ethical duty. Min, however, contends that these messages were casual discussions and insists that the memo constituted a personal note.
The findings from the ongoing police inquiry into Min Hee-jin’s professed breach of duty could significantly affect the shareholder lawsuit between HYBE and her, while also highlighting the extensive power struggle over ADOR’s shares and the immense financial implications involved.
This investigation is also likely to shape public perception of NewJeans, a group that has distanced itself from ADOR. Min Hee-jin and NewJeans are viewed as interconnected entities, facing a similar fate. The question remains: is NewJeans bravely challenging corporate dominance, or are they overlooking critical legal frameworks?
The future trajectory of NewJeans significantly depends on the outcome of Min Hee-jin’s ongoing legal battles.
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