ENTERTAINMENT
Former Adore CEO Min Hee-jin Faces Property Seizure Amid Legal Disputes
According to a report by TenAsia on the 11th, Min Hee-jin received a court notification in September regarding a provisional seizure of her residence in Yeonnam-dong, Seoul, amounting to 100 million won.
TenAsia exclusively confirmed that the creditor is a former Adore employee, identified as A, who filed a lawsuit against Min for defamation and violation of the Personal Information Protection Act through the Mapo Police Station in Seoul last August. A also reported Min and Adore's Deputy CEO B to the Seoul Western District Office of the Ministry of Employment and Labor for unfair labor practices and labor-management misconduct.
The provisional seizure is a follow-up measure to A's civil lawsuit against Min for defamation based on false information, seeking damages of 100 million won. A legal expert told TenAsia, "A is pursuing a civil damages lawsuit against Min Hee-jin," adding, "The provisional seizure was made to secure payment capability, which is a priority in civil damage claims."
Provisional seizure is a legal procedure where a creditor temporarily seizes a debtor's assets to secure debt repayment. A is believed to have taken this action to ensure smooth legal proceedings for future compensation. If Min is found liable for damages in the civil lawsuit, she will be required to compensate, and if unable to do so, the seized property may be subject to actual disposal procedures.
Previously, A caused a stir by alleging sexual harassment by Deputy CEO B. A claimed that during their tenure at Adore, they were sexually harassed by B, and Min attempted to cover up the incident by siding with B. The ongoing revelations led to accusations of defamation and further harm against Min, resulting in legal action.
According to the real estate registry, Min purchased a small apartment in Yeonnam-dong, Seoul, for 387 million won in 2011.
On the 27th of last month, Min mentioned her legal battles with HYBE at the '2024 Hyundai Card Da Vinci Motel,' revealing her ownership of a house. She stated, "The legal fees amounted to 2.3 billion won. I will have to sell my house because of these legal fees. I thought it was fortunate. I wondered if I had the house for this reason. If I didn't have money, I couldn't fight. I was grateful not to have a husband and children, and I was thankful that my parents were doing well."
Legal experts believe this statement may have served as grounds for the provisional seizure. By admitting she might have to sell her house due to legal fees, she fulfilled the conditions for a provisional seizure. The main requirement for a provisional seizure is the concern that the debtor might dispose of assets, making it difficult for the creditor to enforce a compensation amount after winning a judgment.
Reporters Choi Ji-ye and Lee Min-kyung, TenAsia wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr
