Min Hee Jin might have to wait for a final verdict in one of her cases against HYBE Corp. Recently, the former ADOR CEO made a startling offer to the corporation. She said she would forgo the KRW 25.6 billion won ($17.8 million USD) that the court awarded her if it halted all civil and legal proceedings against her, NewJeans, and previous employees.
In the meantime, HYBE paid a deposit amounting to KRW 29.25 billion won ($20.5 million USD) to the court. Read more to find out details about the controversy and why the company did this.
The Min Hee Jin, HYBE Case That Needed It To Deposit $20.5 million
On February 12, 2026, the Seoul Metropolitan Court dismissed one HYBE lawsuit against Min Hee Jin, while upholding hers. This was regarding its shareholder’ agreement, and the court ruled in favour of Min, ordering the music company to pay an amount between KRW 25.5 and 25.6 billion won in damages.
Later the same month, the NewJeans creator held a six-minute one-sided press conference. Her prepared statement said she was willing to give up on the settlement amount if HYBE Corp would interrupt all lawsuits and proceedings. By including NewJeans, her former employees, and herself, netizens thought her caring of the young idols.
Meanwhile, later on February 25, HYBE deposited KRW 29.25 million won. This is because they had appealed the judgement in the former ADOR CEO’s favour on February 19. As per Korean law, a stay on to delay payment in a case during appeals usually requires the party in loss to pay a deposit.
Also Read: Will HYBE Accept Min Hee Jin’s $17.8 Million Deal To Drop Cases Against NewJeans?
How Did The Min Hee Jin, HYBE Conflict Begin?
For those unaware, this controversy started in 2024, when HYBE alleged that Min Hee Jin wanted to separate ADOR (NewJeans’ label). Then, it declared its shareholders’ agreement with her nonbinding, which she denied. Min attempted to put option on ADOR shares (or sell shares) in November. Later, both parties filed lawsuits against each other.
Also Read: Everything We Know About Min Hee Jin’s New K-Pop Agency!