Police dismiss allegations against Min Hee-jin after a year-long investigation, but HYBE vows to challenge the decision citing new evidence.
On July 15, 2025, the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul announced that former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin has been cleared of occupational breach of trust charges filed by HYBE. The police concluded there was “no suspicion of a crime” and decided not to forward the case to prosecutors. This decision comes after over a year of investigations into HYBE’s claims that Min attempted to seize control of ADOR, the agency behind the girl group NewJeans.
Min’s legal team released a statement celebrating the outcome:
“After more than a year of police investigation, it has been determined that there was no illegality on the part of former CEO Min Hee-jin regarding these charges. The police have decided not to refer both cases reported by HYBE to the prosecution.”
However, HYBE immediately announced plans to file an objection with the prosecution, arguing that new evidence has emerged since the police investigation began. The company cited recent developments, including NewJeans members declaring their intent to terminate contracts, as grounds for their appeal.
HYBE’s Objection and New Evidence
HYBE claims that recent court proceedings have revealed critical evidence against Min Hee-jin. In a statement, the company said:
“The appellate court (Seoul High Court) has acknowledged that Min Hee-jin is ‘intentionally destroying the integrated structure that was the premise of the exclusive contract.’ We intend to challenge the non-indictment decision through the objection process.”
The dispute dates back to April 2024, when HYBE filed a criminal complaint against Min, accusing her of trying to take over ADOR’s management by involving a third-party investor. Min denied the allegations, stating that HYBE’s 80% ownership of ADOR made such a takeover impossible.
Counter-Complaints Dismissed
In addition to the breach of trust case, police also dismissed several complaints filed by Min Hee-jin and her associates against HYBE executives. These included allegations of defamation and obstruction of business, which authorities rejected, stating:
“HYBE’s claims cannot be deemed false. Their actions were in the public interest, not intended to defame, and the KakaoTalk messages referenced were obtained lawfully through an internal audit.”
Among the dismissed cases were:
- Min’s defamation complaint against BELIFT LAB executives.
- A defamation case filed by Team Bunnies (NewJeans’ fan community) against BELIFT LAB.
- A complaint by Shin Woo-seok, CEO of Dolphiners Films, against ADOR’s current management.
Ongoing Legal Battles
While Min has been cleared of criminal charges, she remains entangled in civil lawsuits with HYBE subsidiaries. Source Music (home to LE SSERAFIM) is suing her for 500 million KRW ($362,000) over claims that she defamed the company by suggesting HYBE favored LE SSERAFIM over NewJeans. BELIFT LAB (managing ILLIT) is also seeking 2 billion KRW in damages, alleging Min’s public accusations of plagiarism harmed ILLIT’s reputation.
Additionally, Min is locked in a 26 billion KRW legal battle with HYBE over a put option dispute. She claims she is entitled to the payment under a shareholder agreement, while HYBE argues the agreement was terminated in July 2024.
Fan and Industry Reactions
The news has sparked mixed reactions among fans. Some supporters of Min and NewJeans expressed relief, while others remain skeptical about HYBE’s next steps.
“I’m happy that MHJ is free from the dirty accusations from HYBE. I hope this becomes a path of hope for NewJeans.” – Fan comment on social media
“Both sides lack sufficient evidence, but this legal war is far from over.” – Industry observer
What’s Next?
HYBE’s objection means the legal fight will continue, possibly escalating to higher courts. Meanwhile, NewJeans’ future remains uncertain as contract disputes unfold. The next hearing in the put option case is scheduled for June 12, 2025, which could further impact Min’s financial and legal standing.
Also read: NewJeans’ Danielle and Haerin Join Hanni in Sending Support to Min Hee Jin Amid Legal Battle
Credits: Compiled from official statements, police reports, and verified news sources.
