Min Hee-jin's Legal Team Challenges HYBE’s Grounds for Contract Termination

Min Hee-jin, former CEO of ADOR, has issued an official response regarding the ongoing legal battle with HYBE over the termination of their shareholder agreement.

Following the second hearing held on April 17 at the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Agreement Division 31 (Presiding Judge Nam In-soo), Min’s legal team reiterated their stance that HYBE’s justification for terminating the contract is groundless.

In a statement released after the hearing, Min's legal representatives emphasized, “We have already submitted two written rebuttals addressing the illegitimacy of HYBE’s claims. Meanwhile, HYBE has yet to refute any of the points we raised regarding the improper nature of their termination notice.”

They further argued that the burden of proof lies with HYBE, stating, “It is up to HYBE to prove whether the shareholder agreement was effectively terminated by their notice.”

Min’s team criticized HYBE’s apparent position that they would only provide detailed evidentiary documents after receiving a response from Min’s side. “This stance contradicts the fundamental principle of burden of proof in civil litigation,” they said. “HYBE must acknowledge that it bears this responsibility, regardless of whether Min Hee-jin’s side responds.”

HYBE originally filed the lawsuit in August 2023, announcing in its semiannual report that its shareholder agreement with Min had been terminated. In response, Min’s legal team denied any breach of contract, pointing out that a court injunction had already affirmed the validity of the agreement. They argued, “Unless both parties consent or one party violates the terms, neither side can unilaterally terminate the shareholder agreement.”

After stepping down as an internal director at ADOR in November 2023, Min filed a separate lawsuit seeking approximately 26 billion KRW (approx. $19 million USD) in put option payments.

HYBE contends that if the shareholder agreement was indeed terminated, Min’s right to exercise the put option would no longer apply. “The key issue is who was at fault for the termination,” a HYBE representative stated.

In contrast, Min’s team maintains that the put option claim was made under the assumption that the contract was still in effect. “The agreement remained valid at the time, and it was only after HYBE failed to correct its breach that we claimed a termination had occurred,” they said.

The court has decided to merge the shareholder agreement termination case with the put option payment lawsuit, with the next hearing scheduled for June 12 at 2:10 p.m.

Meanwhile, NewJeans, who have continued to show support for Min Hee-jin, celebrated their 1,000th day since debut on April 16. Members commemorated the milestone by posting messages on social media.

Photo=MHN DB