Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin has been cleared of occupational breach of trust charges after a detailed police investigation in Seoul. Authorities concluded there was no evidence supporting HYBE’s claims, and the case will not advance to prosecutors. The decision has drawn attention across South Korea’s entertainment industry, where tensions between agencies and executives often surface publicly.
The Yongsan Police Station confirmed the decision after months of examining allegations against Min Hee Jin. HYBE accused her of attempting to take control of ADOR’s management while serving as CEO. As the majority shareholder owning 80 percent of ADOR, HYBE claimed her actions breached trust and harmed its business interests.
Min Hee Jin strongly denied these accusations, calling them unfounded and damaging to her reputation. She explained it was impossible to seize management control because HYBE holds a majority stake. Furthermore, she alleged HYBE’s complaint was retaliation for her raising concerns about plagiarism involving ILLIT, a girl group under HYBE’s subsidiary BELIFT LAB.
She claimed similarities existed between ILLIT’s concept and that of NewJeans, ADOR’s successful girl group. After voicing these concerns, she said HYBE initiated a targeted audit against her work. The dispute highlights how creative disagreements can escalate into corporate conflicts in South Korea’s competitive K-pop market.
Despite the Min Hee Jin charges being cleared, HYBE announced plans to file an official objection to the police decision. The company insists her actions caused harm and believes further investigation is necessary. Legal experts note objections like this can lead to additional reviews but rarely overturn initial findings unless new evidence emerges.
Min Hee Jin, credited with creating NewJeans’ innovative image, remains a respected figure in K-pop. Fans have expressed relief over the decision and praised her leadership. Many hope she will continue contributing to the music industry without further distractions.
This legal battle could set a precedent for resolving disputes between major agencies and executives. Observers are closely watching HYBE’s next steps and the broader implications for industry governance. The outcome may influence how companies handle internal conflicts moving forward.
