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.”
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!
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!