Will HYBE Accept Min Hee Jin’s $17.8 Million Deal To Drop Cases Against NewJeans?

Min Hee Jin offers huge sum to HYBE to halt all legal action, will this shocking proposal finally end the dispute?

By Sasha Shinde Updated February 25, 2026 4:47 PM

Will HYBE Accept Min Hee Jin’s $17.8 Million Deal To Drop Cases Against NewJeans?

Min Hee Jin, former ADOR CEO, offers HYBE 25.6 billion won (about $17.86 million) to cease all legal proceedings, including those against NewJeans members. The short press conference held on February 25, 2026, came on the heels of the music producer winning the same amount against the entertainment company. Will this be the end of NewJeans’ woes? Read on to find out more about her surprising proposition and how HYBE responded.

Min Hee Jin To Give HYBE $17.8 million If They End All Lawsuits?

On February 12, the Seoul Central District Court’s civil division asked HYBE to pay between 25.5 billion won and 25.6 billion won to Min Hee Jin. HYBE then appealed the case (about shareholders’ agreements), putting a stay on payment till legal proceedings conclude. Nonetheless, the court dismissed the lawsuit filed by the corporation in confirmation of the termination of the shareholder agreement. However, Min’s lawsuit was upheld, with HYBE ordered to reimburse the stock purchase price due to exercising a put option.

Later, Min Hee Jin announced that she would address the court ruling in a later press conference. The one-sided event was held on February 25, starting a few minutes later than the intended 1.45 pm KST time. Entering out of breath, Min Hee Jin read a prepared statement. Addressing the win in her lawsuit against HYBE, she said it was a relief that “washed away the wounds of the past two years.”

Hello, this is Min Hee-jin. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the court for taking the time to carefully examine the essence of this case.

Reaching this first-trial victory has truly been a long tunnel.

The outcome of this lawsuit was a consolation that acknowledged…

— PoppyKPoppie (@PoppyKPoppie) February 25, 2026

Moving on, she said she was willing to forgo her remuneration of 25.6 billion won if the big corporation agreed to halt all criminal and civil proceedings against her and NewJeans. Adding that there should be a blanket termination of all lawsuits, she included all employees (formerly of ADOR), partners, and even the fandom.

HYBE Responds To Min Hee Jin’s Offer

Fans remained divided in their opinion of this move. Some thought this proved that she put the NewJeans members first, while others considered it just serving her own interests.

Meanwhile, HYBE responded to the shocking offer to return the compensation in a statement. The music corporation said they had “no position on this matter.”

Also Read: BLACKPINK Jennie “Jealous” Of NewJeans’ Minji? Insider Claims Go Wild!

“Please create an environment where all five NewJeans members can come together and freely pursue their dreams to their heart’s content. Opening the path for artists to shine again—that is the one and only role adults should play.”
–Min-hee Jin in her press conference 2/25/26

— DJ E-mix (@DJEmix8) February 25, 2026

While HYBE’s response is non-committal, fans can’t help but speculate about what the next outcome of this controversy will be. Meanwhile, three members of NewJeans have resigned with ADOR (under HYBE), with Danielle Marsh ending her contract. Minji’s status is unclear. As for Min Hee Jin, her new company, Ooak Records, is gearing up to launch a new K-pop boy group.

Also Read: Everything We Know About Min Hee Jin’s New K-Pop Agency!

First Published: February 25, 2026 4:47 PM

Sasha Shinde

Sasha is a Content Writer with experience covering K-pop, K-dramas, and more. She enjoys analysing and decoding music videos, movies, and series for work. Outside work, she can be found sampling Asian food, attempting to tackle her exhaustive reading list, or scrolling on Instagram till she blends with the couch.