Min Hee-Jin to Speak Publicly Following Major Legal Triumph Against HYBE
Min Hee-Jin, a renowned figure in the K-pop industry, is preparing to step into the public eye once again, not for her artistic endeavors but to engage directly with journalists after securing a significant legal victory against entertainment giant HYBE. According to reports from All Kpop, she will host a press conference on February 25 in Seoul, following a recent court ruling in her favor regarding a contentious 25.5 billion KRW (approximately 17.7 million USD) put option dispute. This event marks her first major public statement since the legal decision, where she aims to clarify the implications of the ruling and share her vision for the future of her newly established company, OOAK Records.
Background of the HYBE Lawsuit and Court Ruling
As detailed by AJU Press, the legal conflict originated when Min Hee-Jin exercised a put option on her shares in ADOR, the label she previously led and where she played a pivotal role in launching the successful girl group NewJeans. A put option allows a shareholder to compel the company to repurchase their shares at a predetermined price. HYBE contested this action, arguing that the shareholder agreement enabling the put option had been terminated, thereby rendering it invalid. Min Hee-Jin countered this claim, asserting that HYBE's termination notice was unjustified, and she pursued legal action to defend her rights.
On February 12, 2026, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of Min Hee-Jin, declaring her put option valid and ordering HYBE to pay her 25.5 billion KRW for the shares. Additionally, HYBE sought court confirmation that they had properly terminated the shareholder agreement, alleging that Min Hee-Jin breached the contract by attempting to "extract NewJeans" and make ADOR independent. The court rejected this argument, noting that while Min Hee-Jin explored independence for ADOR, this alone did not constitute a serious breach of contract. Despite this ruling, HYBE has filed an appeal and secured a stay, temporarily halting the payment as the legal battle continues.
Purpose and Expectations for the Press Conference
Following her departure from ADOR, Min Hee-Jin founded OOAK Records, and she is now ready to address the public regarding her recent legal success. Scheduled for 1:45 p.m. on February 25, the press conference will provide a platform for her to explain the significance of the court's decision and outline her strategic plans for OOAK Records. The K-pop community is eagerly anticipating this event, as it is expected to reveal insights into future projects, potential new artist debuts, and the creative direction of her label. This marks a crucial moment in her career, highlighting her resilience and determination to pursue independent artistic and business ventures.
Profile of Min Hee-Jin: A Creative Force in K-Pop
Min Hee-Jin, born on December 16, 1979, is a highly influential creative director in the K-pop industry. She began her career at SM Entertainment in 2002, where she ascended through the ranks and significantly shaped the visual and narrative aesthetics of prominent groups such as Girls' Generation, Shinee, f(x), EXO, and Red Velvet. Her innovative and bold style has redefined expectations for K-pop visuals and storytelling, earning her widespread acclaim.
In late 2021, Min Hee-Jin assumed the role of CEO at ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE, and served as the executive producer for NewJeans, a girl group that gained international recognition following their debut in 2022. Under her leadership, NewJeans distinguished themselves with a fresh sound and striking visuals, receiving praise both domestically and globally. However, conflicts over creative control and management led to her departure from ADOR in 2024. After remaining on the board briefly, she resigned and launched OOAK Records to independently pursue her artistic and entrepreneurial ambitions.
Her legal disputes with HYBE have encompassed various issues, including shareholder agreements, alleged contract breaches, and corporate governance. While the upcoming press conference focuses on the put option victory, it underscores broader tensions within the K-pop industry regarding control and autonomy at the highest levels.
