Former NewJeans EP Min Hee Jin Wins $18 Million Court Battle Against HYBE

The Seoul Central District Court ruled that Min's exercise of her put option was valid, rejecting HYBE's argument that the shareholder agreement had been terminated.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Min Hee Jin, previously CEO at HYBE subsidiary ADOR, secured a significant legal victory when a Seoul court ruled that K-pop giant HYBE must pay her approximately 25.5 billion KRW (around $18 million USD) related to her exercised put option, dismissing HYBE's claims and ordering the company to bear all legal costs.

Why it matters

The conflict between Min and HYBE erupted publicly in 2024 when HYBE launched an internal audit and accused Min of attempting to seize control of ADOR and its flagship act, NewJeans. This court ruling represents a major win for Min in the financial dispute at the heart of her conflict with HYBE, validating her claim that the put option remained legitimate despite the termination of her role as ADOR CEO.

The details

The Civil Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court ruled that Min's exercise of her put option was valid, rejecting HYBE's argument that the shareholder agreement had been terminated. The court stated that 'in cases involving termination grounds under a shareholder agreement, destruction of trust may qualify if it amounts to a serious breach,' but found that HYBE's evidence did not meet that threshold. The put option was a key element of the shareholder agreement between Min and HYBE, and the court noted that it was estimated to be worth around 100 billion KRW after 2025.

  • In April 2024, HYBE launched an internal audit and accused Min of attempting to seize control of ADOR and NewJeans.
  • In July 2024, HYBE terminated the shareholder agreement with Min, citing alleged breach of trust.
  • In September 2024, Min was dismissed as CEO of ADOR.
  • In November 2024, Min announced her intention to exercise her put option worth approximately 26 billion KRW and subsequently filed the lawsuit seeking payment.
  • On February 12, 2026, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of Min Hee Jin.

The players

Min Hee Jin

Previously the CEO at HYBE subsidiary ADOR, Min Hee Jin secured a significant legal victory against HYBE in a court battle over her exercised put option.

HYBE

A K-pop giant whose CEO is currently valued at $1.6 billion. HYBE was ordered by the court to pay Min Hee Jin approximately 25.5 billion KRW (around $18 million USD) related to her exercised put option.

ADOR

A HYBE subsidiary that Min Hee Jin previously served as CEO for. ADOR has filed a 43 billion won (approximately $29.7 million USD) damages lawsuit against Min, NewJeans member Danielle, and Danielle's family member.

NewJeans

The flagship act of ADOR, which was at the center of the conflict between Min Hee Jin and HYBE.

Judge Nam In Soo

The presiding judge of the Civil Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court, who ruled in favor of Min Hee Jin.

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What they’re saying

“in cases involving termination grounds under a shareholder agreement, destruction of trust may qualify if it amounts to a serious breach, but found that HYBE's evidence did not meet that threshold.”

— Judge Nam In Soo, Presiding Judge, Civil Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court

What’s next

Despite this court victory, Min's legal battles with HYBE and its subsidiaries are far from over. ADOR has filed a 43 billion won (approximately $29.7 million USD) damages lawsuit against Min, NewJeans member Danielle, and Danielle's family member. Additionally, HYBE subsidiaries Source Music and Belift Lab have ongoing lawsuits against Min seeking compensation for alleged defamation and business interference.

The takeaway

This court victory for Min Hee Jin validates her claim that the put option remained legitimate despite the termination of her role as ADOR CEO, representing a major win in the financial dispute at the heart of her conflict with HYBE. However, the broader legal battles between Min and HYBE are far from over, with multiple ongoing lawsuits on both sides.