The legal battle between former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and HYBE’s subsidiary Source Music took a dramatic turn during the second court hearing on May 30, 2025. The dispute centers on whether private KakaoTalk messages can be used as evidence in Source Music’s $363,000 damages lawsuit against Min.
Source Music claims Min caused financial harm by making false statements about the debut of the girl group NewJeans. Min’s legal team argues the KakaoTalk messages were obtained illegally and should not be allowed in court. The judge delayed a decision on the evidence, pushing the next hearing to June 27.
Key Arguments in Court
Min’s lawyers demanded a closed hearing, stating the KakaoTalk logs contain private conversations collected without consent. They said:
“If it was obtained by violating the confidentiality of communications, it would be difficult to adopt it. We will restrict the parts that the defendant takes issue with.”
Source Music countered that the messages were accessed legally because Min used a HYBE work email to share them. The company said:
“(The messages) were not collected through illegal means. They were exchanged using company equipment, so they are not private. Consent was given in advance to collect them.”
The judge noted it was too early to rule on the evidence’s legality. Both sides agreed to pause arguments until the next hearing.
Background of the Lawsuit
Source Music sued Min in July 2024, accusing her of spreading false claims about NewJeans’ debut. Min previously held a press conference criticizing Source Music for favoring LE SSERAFIM over NewJeans.
HYBE and Min have been in conflict since April 2024, when HYBE accused her of trying to take control of ADOR. Min denied this, saying HYBE mistreated her and NewJeans. She was removed as ADOR CEO in August 2024 but remains a board member.
What Happens Next?
The June 27 hearing will decide if the KakaoTalk messages can be used. If allowed, they could play a major role in the case. If rejected, Source Music may struggle to prove its claims.
This lawsuit is one of several legal fights between Min and HYBE. Another case involves a $70.5 million dispute over Min’s shareholder agreement with HYBE. That hearing is set for June 12.
Also Read:
Did Min Hee Jin Leave NewJeans to Confront HYBE on Their Own? A Scrutinizing Article Gains Traction
Min Hee Jin Triumphs in Court, Defeats Online Trolls in Defamation Case
Credits: Korea JoongAng Daily., X (twitter)
