Former ADOR CEO wins case vs HYBE, to be paid 25.5 billion won
Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin has won her legal dispute with HYBE involving the termination of the two parties' shareholders' contract.
As reported by The Korea Times, the Seoul Central District Court ordered HYBE to pay Min 25.5 billion won (P1 billion) in put options, along with billions more to two former ADOR executives
HYBE claimed Min breached the contract by attempting to make ADOR independent, allegedly involving NewJeans and other plans. However, the court found that these circumstances did not constitute a serious violation.
Min expressed respect for the ruling and said she would focus on fostering artists through her independent label, Ooak Records.
"I will focus all my capabilities on building a stable management environment, maximizing the value of the artist, and nurturing new talent to lead the K-pop industry," she said.
"I want to put an end to these exhausting disputes in my life, and surprise everyone again with great music and performances," she added in a separate statement.
Meanwhile, HYBE has announced plans to appeal. "It is regrettable that our arguments were not fully accepted," it said in a statement.
The conflict began in April 2024, with Min dismissed as ADOR CEO that August. In November, she exercised her put option, a contractual right allowing a shareholder to sell shares at a predetermined price.
ADOR produced the K-Pop girl group New Jeans, which was also involved in a legal dispute regarding its tenure with the company.
In October 2025, the girl group lost its lawsuit against ADOR after the court ruled that the exclusive contracts with the five members are valid.
Months later in December, the label terminated its exclusive contract with member Danielle June Marsh.
