The case stems from a complaint filed in September last year by former Deputy Representative L, a close associate of former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. L accused HYBE of conducting illegal controls, such as coercive collection of information resources, which L classified as workplace bullying.
Chosun Biz uncovered evidence suggesting that Min Hee-jin had played a significant role in directing L’s complaint to the Ministry of Employment and Labor.
L is also known for masterminding Min Hee-jin’s alleged plan to take managerial control of ADOR. Since last year, a legal dispute over ADOR’s management rights has persisted between Min Hee-jin and HYBE.
On January 13, sources revealed that the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Bureau, under the Ministry of Employment and Labor, concluded last month that “allegations of workplace bullying at HYBE have not been substantiated” and administratively closed L.’s complaint.
L’s complaint targeted five key executives, including Kim Joo-young, current CEO of ADOR, and Lee Kyung-jun, internal director of ADOR and CFO of HYBE.
The roots of L’s controversial complaint date back to July last year, when a media report claimed that L had been accused of workplace bullying and sexual harassment and that Min Hee-jin was attempting to cover up the incident. L was named guilty of a workplace bullying case brought by employee A.
During the initial investigation into these allegations, it was discovered that Min had coached L on how to respond.
A, after discovering Min’s meddling, claimed that the initial investigation had been compromised and requested a new investigation in August last year.
In response, ADOR conducted a new investigation through an external agency. However, as the new investigation progressed, Min again ordered L to file a workplace harassment complaint against HYBE management with the Ministry of Employment and Labor, according to Telegram conversations obtained by Chosun Biz.
