▲ Min Hee-jin, the former chief executive of K-pop label ADOR, speaks during a press conference in Seoul on Feb. 25, 2026. (Yonhap)
▲ Girl group NewJeans is seen in this file photo. (Yonhap)

(LEAD) former ADOR CEO-dispute

(LEAD) Former ADOR CEO Min offers truce with Hybe over 25.6 billion-won deal

(ATTN: UPDATES with more quotes from Min, background information in paras 7-15; ADDS photo)

By Shim Sun-ah

SEOUL, Feb. 25 (Yonhap) -- Former ADOR chief executive Min Hee-jin on Wednesday offered to end all legal disputes with K-pop giant Hybe in return for waiving a 25.6 billion-won (US$17.89 million) put option payout she expects from the company.

Min, who now heads her own label Ooak Records, made the announcement at a press conference in central Seoul held shortly after a local court ruled partly in her favor in an ongoing legal battle with Hybe, the parent company of ADOR.

"I have decided to exchange 25.6 billion won for another value," Min told reporters. "The reason is the NewJeans members," she said, referring to the top ADOR girl group she created.

"In return for giving up the 25.6 billion won, I propose that all civil and criminal lawsuits between us be concluded."

Min added that she "cannot watch some standing on stage while others stand in court," saying the situation was "painful for both the members and fans."

Her remarks came after the Seoul Central District Court earlier this month dismissed Hybe's lawsuit seeking to confirm the termination of its shareholders' agreement with Min and another executive.

The court also ruled that Hybe has to pay 25.5 billion won worth of a put option to Min because of the validity of the agreement signed between the two sides. While acknowledging Min likely sought ways to make NewJeans independent from ADOR, the court said the circumstances cannot be considered a serious breach of contract.

Hybe appealed the decision last week. The same court accepted the company's request on Wednesday to stay the execution of the put option payment pending an appellate ruling.

The conflict erupted in April 2024 over allegations that she plotted to usurp management control of ADOR, which she has denied. She was dismissed as CEO in August of that year.

Three months later, Min notified Hybe of her intent to exercise her put option. Hybe rejected the move, arguing her shareholder contract was terminated. The option would have entitled Min to an amount equal to 75 percent of her stake in ADOR.

In a related development, NewJeans terminated its contract with ADOR, saying her dismissal represented the breakdown of bilateral trust. But a court ruled last October that the exclusive contract between NewJeans and ADOR is valid. Two months later, the label filed a lawsuit against Danielle, her family, and Min, seeking around 43.1 billion won in combined compensation. ADOR terminated its contract with Danielle while accepting the return of the four other members.

Alluding to the member in the legal dispute, Min said, "Hybe and I belong on the creative stage, not in court. Launching NewJeans was born from a creative vision I still hold dear. Although I regret not being able to complete it, I hope Hybe will keep its promise to welcome the group when it is back."

"Please create an environment where all five members can reunite and freely pursue their dreams. Helping artists shine again is what adults should do. For me, 25.6 billion won is not greater than restoring a healthy K-pop ecosystem and the peace of artists' daily lives."

Min concluded the news conference by saying she would step away from her former ADOR title and focus on her new company.

"I will devote all my energy to nurturing new K-pop artists and presenting creative visions," she said. "From now on, I hope there will be no more wasteful press conferences. I will meet you again not in a press conference or a courtroom, but on the stage of creation, doing what I do best."

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