Court Orders Mediation in Defamation Lawsuit Involving Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin

A court has ordered mediation in the defamation lawsuit between former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin and a former ADOR employee, identified as B.

The Seoul Central District Court's 21st Civil Division made the mediation referral decision on November 28th regarding the lawsuit filed by B against Min Hee-jin, seeking damages of approximately 100 million KRW for defamation through false information. Mediation is a process where parties are encouraged to reach a mutual agreement through a scheduled mediation session.

Attorney Jeon Hyung-hye from Law Firm GL explained to us, "It is common for courts to refer cases for mediation. When a lawsuit involves a single issue, the court often provides an opportunity for a judicial settlement." She interpreted the court's decision as an effort to mediate amidst the central conflict between Min Hee-jin and HYBE, noting the increasing number of subsidiary issues.

Jeon further clarified, "The court's decision is not mandatory. If one party does not wish to mediate, the case will return to trial and judgment procedures."

Previously, B filed the lawsuit in August, alleging workplace harassment and sexual harassment by ADOR's Deputy CEO A. B also claimed that Deputy CEO A and Min Hee-jin improperly intervened in HYBE's internal investigation into workplace harassment. In September, B sought a provisional seizure of Min Hee-jin's real estate to secure payment, which the court approved. If B wins the damages lawsuit, enforcement procedures may follow if Min Hee-jin fails to pay.

Additionally, B reported Min Hee-jin and the ADOR Deputy CEO to the Seoul Western District Office of the Ministry of Employment and Labor in August and October for unfair labor practices and labor-management misconduct. The results of the labor office's investigation are expected in January next year.

By Min-kyung Lee, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr