Ongoing Legal Battle Between Min Hee-jin and HYBE
Ongoing Legal Battle Between Min Hee-jin and HYBE
≪Choi Ji-ye's Epilogue≫
Choi Ji-ye, a TenAsia journalist, provides an objective and sharp analysis of incidents occurring in the entertainment industry. She meticulously examines the 'one missing piece' you might have overlooked.
The ongoing conflict between former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin and HYBE has led to increasing public fatigue. Consequently, there are calls for their dispute to be resolved in court based on legal grounds. This is deemed essential for the future of the group NewJeans, according to industry insiders.

The battle between Min Hee-jin and HYBE, which began in April, culminated in Min Hee-jin's dismissal as ADOR CEO. Now, unresolved legal disputes remain between them. These include allegations of Min Hee-jin's usurpation of ADOR's management rights, multiple defamation lawsuits, and a lawsuit to confirm the termination of a shareholder agreement.

Min Hee-jin has expressed her intention to contest the termination of the shareholder agreement. However, legal experts believe she has limited options since her dismissal was conducted legally through ADOR's board of directors. Even if HYBE fails to win the lawsuit to confirm the termination, Min Hee-jin's chances of exercising a put option are considered slim.

Having already fought extensively in public, Min Hee-jin and HYBE's dispute can only be resolved through legal judgment. Their fate will be determined in court.

However, the legal process is unlikely to be swift, suggesting a prolonged conflict. Therefore, there is a growing consensus that NewJeans members should not be involved in this dispute.

Previously, Min Hee-jin appealed to public sentiment by highlighting her close relationships with NewJeans members and their families, using them as a shield against HYBE's attacks. For the sake of NewJeans, it is argued that she should relinquish the 'NewJeans Mom' title and focus on the legal battle.
Ongoing Legal Battle Between Min Hee-jin and HYBE
Ongoing Legal Battle Between Min Hee-jin and HYBE
As a global group with a promising future, it is not beneficial for NewJeans to be entangled in a prolonged legal issue involving their parent company, HYBE, and Min Hee-jin. When the public thinks of NewJeans, their performances, music, and messages should come to mind, not Min Hee-jin's face.

After five months of intense emotional conflict, it is time for Min Hee-jin and HYBE to seek resolution within the cold, structured confines of the law. However, NewJeans should be kept out of it.

Choi Ji-ye, TenAsia journalist, wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr