Min Hee-Jin Proposes Bold Deal to HYBE Amid Legal Dispute

In a surprising turn of events, Min Hee-Jin has proposed to forgo her $18 million payout from HYBE in exchange for resolving ongoing legal disputes. During a press conference, she emphasized her commitment to protecting the K-pop group NewJeans, stating that she could no longer bear to see the members in court instead of performing. This bold offer comes after a court ruling favored her in a high-profile case against HYBE. The company has yet to respond to her proposal, leaving fans and industry insiders eager to see how this legal saga unfolds.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 25, 2026, 14:54 IST

Min Hee-Jin's Unexpected Proposal

Min Hee-Jin has made a surprising offer to HYBE while embroiled in a legal battle with the K-pop giant. The former CEO of ADOR held her fourth press conference in Seoul on February 25, where she discussed the results of the initial trial and her future intentions. Earlier this month, the court ruled in her favor in a high-profile case that aimed to validate the termination of the shareholder agreement and her counterclaim for payment related to a stock purchase option. The court ordered HYBE to pay Min 25.5 billion KRW (approximately $17.6 million). During the press conference, Min, who is now the CEO of Ooak Records, proposed to forgo this substantial payout in exchange for resolving all ongoing legal disputes with BTS's managing label, HYBE.

Min Hee-Jin's Shocking Offer

Min's unexpected proposal to relinquish the significant amount she won in the lawsuit took many by surprise. She emphasized her commitment to safeguarding the members of NewJeans, the K-pop group she manages, stating, "The reason I stand here today is to announce that I have decided to exchange the 25.6 billion KRW (~18 million USD) I would receive from this victory for another value." She further explained, "25.6 billion KRW is an extraordinary sum that one may never encounter in a lifetime. But there is a value I desire far more than this amount. In place of accepting the 25.6 billion KRW, I propose that HYBE immediately halt all ongoing civil and criminal lawsuits and bring every dispute to an end."

Min Hee-Jin's Commitment to NewJeans

Min Hee-Jin Wants to Protect NewJeans

Min highlighted her dedication to NewJeans as the primary motivation behind her offer, stating, "I can no longer watch a reality where five members who should be happily standing on stage must instead stand in courtrooms. All lawsuits and complaints directed at the artists, their families, and the fandom must be withdrawn in order to stop the reckless noise." In response, HYBE issued a brief statement, indicating they would not comment on the matter at this time, saying, "We have no position on this matter."

Overview of the Legal Battle

Legal Battle Between Min Hee-Jin and HYBE

The ruling from the Seoul court in favor of Min Hee-Jin on February 12 marked a significant moment in one of K-pop's most closely watched corporate legal disputes. The shareholder agreement between HYBE and Min included a five-year term for her role as ADOR CEO and internal director. HYBE contended that the agreement with Min had already concluded prior to her dismissal, asserting that the decision to remove her was made independently by the ADOR board and was not influenced by HYBE.