MUSIC
HYBE Challenges Police Decision on Min Hee-jin Case, Files Appeal with Prosecutors
On the 15th, HYBE stated, "We plan to immediately file an appeal with the prosecution regarding the non-indictment decision on the breach of duty case against former CEO Min and others, which was raised last year."
The agency emphasized, "Following the police investigation, new developments have occurred, such as the termination of contracts by NewJeans members, and numerous new pieces of evidence have been submitted in related trials." They added, "The court has judged Min's actions very seriously based on this evidence." Furthermore, they explained, "The appellate court (Seoul High Court) determined that Min was 'intentionally destroying the integrated structure that was the premise of the exclusive contract,' and we intend to contest the non-indictment decision in the appeal process."
HYBE also revealed that "the case where Min and others accused five HYBE executives of obstruction of business and defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act was also not forwarded by the investigative authorities." They added, "The authorities found it difficult to view HYBE's claims as false and determined that they were in the public interest, not for the purpose of defamation." They also noted that "the KakaoTalk conversations were obtained through legitimate authority during the audit process."
Additionally, HYBE explained that multiple lawsuits and accusations filed by Min or related parties were all dismissed or not forwarded. The agency stated, "The accusations of defamation and false accusation against Belift Lab executives and the creative director by Min, the accusation of Information and Communications Network Act violation against Belift Lab executives by Team Bunnies, and the lawsuit against current ADOR executives by Shin Woo-seok of Dolphin Kidnapping were all concluded with no charges."
Earlier that day, the Seoul Yongsan Police Station decided not to forward the breach of duty charges against former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin filed by HYBE.
In April of last year, HYBE accused Min of attempting to usurp management rights, filing charges of breach of duty. In response, Min's side argued that it was impossible to seize management control as HYBE, the largest shareholder of ADOR, holds 80% of the shares. In August of the same year, Min was dismissed from her position as CEO of ADOR, and subsequently, the group NewJeans demanded Min's return, notifying ADOR of the termination of their exclusive contract in November. ADOR filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract and later filed for an injunction. In March, the court granted ADOR's injunction request and dismissed the members' appeal.
