Amid months of legal tension between HYBE and former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, a major shift has occurred: Min has been officially cleared of all criminal charges. After more than a year of investigation, the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul concluded that there was no evidence of breach of trust or wrongdoing on Min’s part. Both complaints filed by HYBE have been dismissed without prosecution, signaling a significant moment in one of K-pop’s most closely watched corporate disputes.
The original allegations stemmed from HYBE’s April 2024 claim that Min had tried to unlawfully seize control of ADOR. The company launched an internal audit and accused Min of violating her duties as CEO. In response, Min denied the accusations and fully cooperated with investigators, including attending an eight-hour police questioning session. Afterward, she addressed reporters, stating firmly, “I will tell the truth,” and criticized the charges as lacking merit.
While the investigation unfolded, Min was gradually removed from leadership. She was officially dismissed as ADOR’s CEO in August 2024. Though she remained involved as an internal director and as producer for NewJeans, she formally stepped down from all roles in November of the same year.
The dispute didn’t end there. HYBE later claimed that Min was the hidden force behind an email campaign led by NewJeans members’ parents. The emails raised concerns about HYBE’s treatment of the group and voiced support for Min. HYBE alleged the protest wasn’t organic, but instead orchestrated or encouraged by her. Min has not publicly responded to this specific claim.
With the breach of trust case now closed and no indictment issued, Min has emerged from the criminal probe vindicated. Her future steps in the entertainment industry remain unclear, but the decision clears a significant hurdle. For now, it marks a rare public exoneration in a high-stakes battle that has had lasting implications across both K-pop fandoms and the business side of the industry.
