The long-running legal war between K-pop giant HYBE and Min Hee-jin, the master producer behind NewJeans, has reached its first major verdict. On February 12, 2026, the Seoul Central District Court delivered a clear win for Min, ruling that her shareholder agreement with HYBE was never validly terminated.
The court ordered HYBE to pay 25.5 billion won (approximately $17.7 million USD) to Min for her put option shares. Two other former ADOR executives will also receive 1.7 billion won and 1.4 billion won respectively. HYBE immediately confirmed it will appeal the decision.
Why the Court Ruled Against HYBEโs Contract Termination
The legal battle centered on one key question: Did Min Hee-jin seriously breach her shareholder agreement by trying to make ADOR independent from HYBE?
HYBE argued that Min violated the contract by contacting external investors to discuss spinning off ADOR. The company also claimed she plotted to take NewJeans out of the label. Based on these accusations, HYBE said it had the right to terminate the shareholder agreement in July 2024.
The court disagreed.
While judges acknowledged that Min did explore ways for ADOR to operate independently, they ruled this did not constitute a material breach of the contract .
โThe termination grounds cited by HYBE are abstract or minor ancillary obligations. They are not significant enough to justify contract termination, especially considering the damages Min would suffer, such as losing her put option rights.โ
โ Seoul Central District Court, Civil Division 31
The court also highlighted that Minโs independence discussions were conducted under the assumption that HYBE would give consent. There was no concrete plan executed before the mandatory contract period ended .
Perhaps most damaging to HYBEโs case, the court referenced the policeโs earlier non-indictment decision. Authorities had previously cleared Min of breach of trust charges, finding insufficient evidence that she attempted a hostile takeover .
The Put Option Payment: What Min Hee-jin Actually Won
For many global observers, the 25.5 billion won figure sounds massive. But this is not a penalty or damages award against HYBE. It is the contractually agreed purchase price for Minโs 18 percent stake in ADOR.
When Min resigned as an internal director in November 2024, she immediately exercised her put option. This clause, written into the original shareholder agreement, entitled her to sell her shares back to HYBE at a price calculated using a fixed formula based on ADORโs operating profits .
HYBE refused to pay, arguing the contract was already dead. Thursdayโs ruling confirms the contract was alive, and HYBE must now honor its end of the deal.
Court Clears Min of โTaking NewJeansโ Accusations
One of the most serious allegations HYBE leveled against Min was that she attempted to poach the NewJeans members and dismantle ADOR from within.
The court directly addressed this claim and found no conclusive proof.
โThere is insufficient evidence to conclusively prove an attempt to defect with the members.โ
โ Seoul Central District Court
Prosecutors had previously reviewed Minโs KakaoTalk messages where she reportedly said ADOR would become an โempty shellโ if she left. HYBE presented this as evidence of her intent to harm the company.
But the court interpreted this differently. Judges ruled that Min was simply stating a business realityโthat a creative label loses significant value when its founding producer departs. This is not the same as actively conspiring to steal artists .
Plagiarism Claims Against ILLIT Deemed Valid
In a separate but related finding, the court validated Minโs public claims that HYBEโs other girl group, ILLIT, copied NewJeans.
During the early stages of the conflict, Min repeatedly accused HYBE of approving a debut concept for ILLIT that closely mimicked NewJeansโ unique style and image. HYBE called this defamation and used it as further justification for terminating trust.
The court ruled differently.
โAccording to reports, ILLITโs achievements immediately following their debut showed many similarities to the image of NewJeans. The parents of the NewJeans members also filed a petition concerning this matter.โ
โAs the CEO of ADOR at the time, her decision to raise concerns about the similarities in order to protect the value of NewJeans was a managerial judgment made within the scope of her authority.โ
โ Seoul Central District Court
The court emphasized that Minโs statements were personal opinions based on observable similarities, not false factual claims. HYBEโs sub-label Belift Lab has not provided sufficient evidence to prove the two groups are completely dissimilar .
What Min Hee-jin Said After Winning
Min Hee-jin released two separate statements following the verdict. Her tone was measured, but the relief was evident.
โI express deep respect for the courtโs decision and will humbly accept it.โ
โ Min Hee-jin
โI will focus all my capabilities on building a stable management environment, maximizing the value of the artist, and nurturing new talent to lead the K-pop industry.โ
โ Min Hee-jin
Later that day, she added a more personal message:
โI want to put an end to these exhausting disputes in my life, and surprise everyone again with great music and performances.โ
โ Min Hee-jin
On her Instagram Story, Min posted a short clip of a character riding a bicycle with the text โonly one always know.โ Industry watchers believe this is a subtle teaser for her new company, Ooak Records .
HYBEโs Response: Appeal Is Coming
HYBE did not wait long to respond. The company issued a formal statement expressing disappointment and confirming its next move.
โWe regret that our arguments were not sufficiently accepted. After reviewing the written judgment, we plan to proceed with further legal steps, including an appeal.โ
โ HYBE Official Statement
Legal experts note that this is only the first trial. The case will now move to a higher court, and the final outcome could take months or even years. However, overturning a first-instance decision requires presenting significant new evidence or proving clear legal error .
Where Are NewJeans Now?
Many fans still associate Min Hee-jin with NewJeans, but the group and their producer have already gone separate ways.
In October 2024, a separate court ruled that NewJeansโ exclusive contracts with ADOR remain valid. The members briefly announced they were leaving ADOR, but that decision was not legally recognized. Today, Haerin, Hyein, and Hanni have resumed activities with ADOR .
ADOR is currently in discussions with Minji, while the label has filed a 43.1 billion won damages lawsuit against Danielleโs family member and Min Hee-jin. That case remains ongoing .
Min, meanwhile, has fully transitioned to her new venture. Ooak Records was officially registered in October 2024. The label is already preparing to debut a boy group, marking her first major production project since leaving HYBE. Min has confirmed she has no immediate plans to create another girl group .
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What This Means for the K-pop Industry
This ruling sends a clear message about how Korean courts interpret shareholder agreements in the entertainment sector. Even when conflicts between companies and creative producers become hostile, contractual obligations remain binding unless a serious, provable breach occurs.
The decision also validates the right of producers to raise concerns about creative similarities between competing groups under the same corporate umbrella. For HYBE, which operates multiple girl labels under its multi-label system, this creates legal precedent that could affect future disputes.
For now, Min Hee-jin walks away with a court victory, a substantial payment, and the freedom to build something new. HYBE walks away with a legal bill and the certainty that this fight is far from over.
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