연합뉴스
| yna@yna.co.kr 2024-05-30 16:40:02
SEOUL, May 30 (Yonhap) -- Min Hee-jin, CEO of ADOR, who was on the verge of dismissal, successfully "held on" with a court's provisional injunction decision on the 30th. Despite this decision, it doesn't prevent the dismissal of other directors, meaning ADOR's board will be reorganized with HYBE personnel, leading to an "uncomfortable coexistence" between the two sides.
The Civil Division 50 of the Seoul Central District Court stated, "The grounds for dismissal or resignation need thorough evidence investigation and detailed review in the main lawsuit. The current claims and materials submitted do not sufficiently substantiate HYBE's reasons for dismissal or resignation." Hence, the court accepted Min's injunction to prohibit HYBE from exercising voting rights.
Min, who had been comparing HYBE to the antagonist Patjwi, confidently declared, "Kongjwi always wins," and indeed, she gained the upper hand in this difficult legal battle. As a result, Min can retain her position regardless of HYBE's dismissal agenda at the ADOR extraordinary shareholders' meeting scheduled for the 31st.
Professor Kang Hye-won of Sungkyunkwan University's Culture and Technology Convergence Major commented, "Media reports focused on statements and incidents, missing substantial truths, likely containing confidential information judged in court." She added, "Min's outspokenness about the idol industry's unfairness resonated with the public, highlighting structural issues within K-pop that need addressing for its sustainability."
However, Min's injunction only covered her case, not preventing the dismissal of her close associates, Vice President Shin and Director Kim. Thus, it's likely that the extraordinary shareholders' meeting on the 31st will see their dismissal and the appointment of HYBE's Chief HR Officer Kim Joo-young, Chief Strategy Officer Lee Jae-sang, and Chief Financial Officer Lee Kyung-jun, given HYBE's 80% stake in ADOR.
This reshuffle would result in a 1:3 board composition, effectively putting HYBE in control. While Min retains her position, she will be outvoted in board decisions, an outcome neither party desired.
HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, in a petition to the court on the 24th, emphasized the need to prevent a single individual's malicious actions from undermining a system built by many over a long period, expressing a strong intent to dismiss Min.
Both sides are expected to continue their "uncomfortable coexistence." HYBE plans to stabilize ADOR's organization and support NewJeans through the new directors. HYBE CEO Park Ji-won recently stated in a town hall meeting, "Our priority is to protect our members and artists psychologically and institutionally during this resolution process."
Given the support Min receives from NewJeans members, their parents, and some public opinion, a fierce battle of public sentiment is likely, potentially prolonging the conflict.
Professor Lee Dong-yeon of Korea National University of Arts suggested that HYBE might bolster its case and request another shareholders' meeting, the only way to force Min's dismissal. The police investigation for breach of trust could take a long time, complicating matters for HYBE.
Lee concluded, "HYBE needs decisive evidence to overturn the court's judgment that Min's dismissal was unwarranted."
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