Two years ago, Min Hee Jin appeared before the press in a blue baseball cap, uttering sharp and emotional comments that shook the K-pop industry. That combative image is now contrasted with his latest appearance, this time as an executive, which speaks of reconciliation and the loss of tens of billions of won.
On February 25, Min Hee Jin, former CEO of ADOR and current head of OOAK Records, proposed what he described as an end to the prolonged conflict with HYBE. Offering to forfeit ₩25.6 billion in put options proceeds, he called for the withdrawal of all civil and criminal suits, effectively suggesting a “cease-fire” in a dispute that began in April 2024.
Here’s a look at the dramatic arc of Min Hee Jin’s press conferences.
April 2024: “Gae-jussi” (combination of “gae” meaning dog and “ajussi” meaning middle-aged man) Remarks and an unprecedented press conference
The saga began in April 2024, shortly after HYBE accused Min Hee Jin of trying to take management control and filed a complaint against her.
At her first press conference, Min appeared in casual clothes and a cap, vehemently denying the allegations. He argued that HYBE’s audit and lawsuits were unfair and reframed the dispute as a clash of creative philosophies rather than a simple power struggle.
His emotionally charged language and frank expressions attracted massive public attention. The press conference quickly became one of the most talked about events in K-pop history, attracting attention from both the industry and mainstream media.
May 2024: A court victory and an olive branch
The tone changed during her second press conference in May 2024. This came after the court granted an injunction preventing HYBE from exercising voting rights to fire her as CEO of ADOR, temporarily giving Min the upper hand legally.
Wearing a bright yellow jacket and offering a composed smile, he extended what appeared to be his first public gesture of reconciliation toward HYBE. He expressed a willingness to compromise for the good of NewJeans and hinted at the possibility of resolving the conflict.
However, after he left his position as CEO at ADOR, the dispute turned into a protracted legal battle.
January 2026: “tampering” Accusations and escalation of lawsuits
The third press conference took place in the context of increasingly intense litigation. This followed ADOR’s filing of a damages lawsuit reportedly worth ₩43 billion against Min Hee Jin and NewJeans member Danielle for allegedly “tampering” attempts.
At that time, a first-instance ruling regarding the ₩25.6 billion Min put option claim against HYBE was imminent. The focus of the press conference was on “The NewJeans tampering” accusations.
Notably, Min herself did not speak that day when her legal representative instead addressed the media. His side argued that the tampering narrative was a distorted frame and even referred to potential outside influences and the involvement of family members, arguing that they were being unfairly portrayed as instigators.
February 2026: ₩25.6 billion loss Sincere sacrifice or strategic move?
On February 25, Min Hee Jin held his fourth press conference and, in fact, declared his desire to end the conflict.
Despite winning the first trial regarding the put option payment, he announced that he would forfeit the ₩25.6 billion in exchange for HYBE dropping all lawsuits and restoring stability for NewJeans and their fans. He stated that he wanted to put an end to a situation where “The artists who belong on the stage are instead in the courtrooms”.
His message was clear: artists come before money.
However, the atmosphere on site was tense. The press conference, suddenly announced just a day earlier, lasted just 15 minutes and did not include a question-and-answer session. Journalists reportedly protested, questioning why they were invited if no questions would be asked.
A battle of principles, not just money
Min Hee Jin concluded by suggesting that both parties meet “on the stage of creativity, not in court”.
His decision to forgo ₩25.6 billion is undeniably significant. However, observers question whether this is a true act of sacrifice for the artists or a calculated exit strategy aimed at changing public sentiment.
For HYBE, the issue may go beyond financial considerations. While Min secured victory in the first trial, the court acknowledged circumstances suggesting she sought independence but ruled that concrete enforcement had not been demonstrated.
It is expected that HYBE will pursue an appeal, potentially with a view to strengthening the evidence for its claims “breach of trust” strengthen governance principles within its multi-label system. Unresolved disputes also remain in play, including allegations that damage the company’s reputation.
Industry analysts note that HYBE may find it difficult to withdraw easily, as the dispute now revolves not only around money but also corporate honor, governance standards and narrative control.
Is this the real end?
After 15 minutes without questions, one sentence remained: ₩25.6 billion.
Whether Min Hee Jin’s bold proposal becomes a masterstroke that restores harmony in K-pop or another strategic move in a battle of public opinion now depends on HYBE’s response and how the public will interpret his latest transformation from “burning ember” TO “peacemaker”.
For now, the war of numbers may be less decisive than the war of principles.
Sources: Daum
