SEOUL, Feb. 25 — Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin said she is willing to forgo the 25.6 billion won she is entitled to receive following her recent court victory if it means bringing the legal battle with HYBE to an end.
Speaking at a press conference, Min reflected on the prolonged dispute and the rulings that have largely favored her, according to Korea JoongAng Daily. Rather than focus on the payout, she framed the moment as a turning point in a broader fight over governance and creative authority.
“The court made clear that the provocative frames of ‘management takeover’ and ‘tampering’ were illusions, and recognised that the concerns I raised about creative ethics were management decisions that I was fully entitled — and obligated — to make as the head of a company,” she said.
Min described the period from 2024 through 2026 as drawn out and emotionally draining, saying the public back and forth had taken a toll not just on her, but on everyone watching. She acknowledged the fatigue surrounding the case and positioned her proposal as an attempt to close the chapter.
“The reason I stand here today is to say that I have decided to exchange the 25.6 billion won I will receive as the result of this victory for another value,” she said.
According to Min, the most pressing concern is NewJeans. She said the members of the group were the driving force behind her decision to propose ending the litigation.
Her request was broad. She called for an immediate halt to all civil and criminal proceedings connected to the dispute, including cases involving herself, the members of NewJeans, outside collaborators, former ADOR employees and any complaints that have disrupted the fandom.
Min is not stepping away from the industry. According to Music Business Worldwide, she is preparing to launch a new boy group under her own label, marking her first major move since exiting ADOR.
Back in December, The Korea Times reported that Min confirmed her next chapter during an appearance on the YouTube channel JTBCSHOW. She made it clear she has no immediate plans to develop another girl group.
The groundwork is already in place. In October, Korean outlet SpoTV News reported that Min established a new entertainment company, ooak Co., which was officially registered on October 16, 2025. The company’s scope covers artist management, music production and distribution, performance planning, and brand management. In other words, a full-service operation.
“I hope there will be no more wasteful press conferences after today,” Min said.
