Min proposes settlement in HYBE dispute

Feb 26, 2026, 07:52 am

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Min Hee-jin, CEO of OK Records and former ADOR chief, reads a statement during a press conference in Seoul on Feb. 25. /Yonhap

Min Hee-jin, CEO of OK Records and former head of ADOR, proposed ending her ongoing dispute with HYBE by giving up approximately 25.5 billion won ($19 million) in recognized put-option proceeds.

Speaking at a press conference in Seoul on Feb. 25, Min said, “There are values in this world more precious than money,” and suggested halting all ongoing civil and criminal lawsuits to bring the conflict to a close.

Her remarks came shortly after the Seoul Central District Court ruled in her favor in a first-instance decision. The court dismissed HYBE’s lawsuit seeking confirmation of termination of a shareholder agreement and upheld Min’s claim for roughly 25.5 billion won in stock sale proceeds under a put option.

The court acknowledged that Min had explored ways to enhance ADOR’s independence but concluded that this did not amount to an attempt to seize management control. As a result, her right to exercise the put option was recognized.

Min said she is willing to exchange the court-recognized put-option payment for a comprehensive settlement, proposing that both sides immediately suspend all legal actions.

“The place where HYBE and I should be is not the courtroom but the stage of creation,” she said, addressing HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk. “Let’s meet again in the place of creativity.”

She added that in an environment where corporate accountability has been strengthened — including through revisions to the Commercial Act — choosing reconciliation over prolonged conflict would serve the interests of shareholders and fans. She also expressed concern about artists who have had to navigate both legal battles and stage performances.

The conflict between Min and HYBE escalated in April 2024 when HYBE launched an audit of ADOR. Min was dismissed as ADOR’s CEO in August 2024 and later stepped down from her position as an internal director.

The dispute over the validity of the shareholder agreement and her put-option rights subsequently moved to court. HYBE maintains that it notified Min of contract termination in July 2024, arguing that her put-option rights were extinguished.

HYBE has appealed the first-instance ruling and filed for a suspension of compulsory execution regarding the 25.5 billion won payment. On Feb. 24, the court granted the request, suspending enforcement of the payment until the appellate ruling is delivered.

With appeals ongoing, attention now turns to whether Min’s settlement proposal will open the door to reconciliation — or whether the high-profile legal battle will continue.

#Min Hee-jin #HYBE #ADOR #Bang Si-hyuk #NewJeans