Min Hee-jin offers to forgo $17.9 million payout to end legal dispute with HYBE

Min Hee-jin, the former head of ADOR and creator of the K-pop girl group NewJeans, has proposed a resolution to her ongoing legal disputes with HYBE by offering to forfeit a substantial court-awarded payout. According to The Korea Herald, Min is willing to relinquish 25.6 billion won (approximately $17.9 million) if HYBE agrees to terminate all civil and criminal lawsuits involving her, NewJeans members, and other parties connected to the conflict.

The announcement was made at a press conference held in Jongno, central Seoul, where Min emphasized that her offer is intended to bring a swift and amicable end to the prolonged legal battle. She stated that resolving the dispute would “help prevent further harm to artists and the industry,” highlighting the broader impact the conflict has had on both NewJeans members and the K-pop sector at large. By proposing to give up the payout, Min framed the move as a gesture of goodwill aimed at fostering reconciliation and redirecting focus toward creative work.

Min also addressed her professional transition, indicating that she will formally relinquish her title as the former CEO of ADOR and continue her career as the CEO of Ooak Records. She encouraged HYBE and its chairman, Bang Si-hyuk, to shift their attention away from the courtroom and toward the stage of creation, signaling her intention to prioritize artistic development over litigation.

The move has drawn attention as a rare attempt to resolve a high-profile dispute in South Korea’s entertainment industry without further escalation. Legal observers note that such settlements can help minimize reputational damage to both parties while allowing artists and management to focus on production and promotion. As the offer awaits HYBE’s response, the situation underscores ongoing tensions between creative leadership, corporate management, and artist welfare in the rapidly growing global K-pop industry.