Min HeeJin interview with Radio: ‘HYBE Made Me a Witch… I Will Create a Boy Group with My OOAK Records’
Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin appeared on the live broadcast of the YouTube channel ‘Genre is Yeouido’ on the 4th, revealing her sentiments regarding the ongoing legal battle with HYBE over the 26 billion won (approx. $20 million USD) put option contract.
During the broadcast, the host mentioned that recent public opinion towards the former CEO seemed unfavorable. Min Hee Jin responded, “People recognize me on the street, cheer me on, and ask for autographs. I don’t know why there is a difference between online and offline sentiment.” She explained, “I stayed quiet for a year and a half after the press conference last year. I think misunderstandings grew because I didn’t say anything, and I decided to appear because it’s not easy for an ordinary person to respond.”
Min Hee Jin was dismissed last August after an internal conflict with HYBE, the parent company of ADOR. At the time, HYBE claimed she attempted to seize management control, filed a complaint against her, and initiated an audit of ADOR. Min Hee Jin subsequently notified HYBE of her exercise of the put option in November of the same year. The value of the put option payment is known to be around 26 billion won. HYBE disputes this, claiming the contract is void due to Min Hee Jin’s actions that breached trust.
‘It’s About Pride, Not Money’
Min Hee Jin asserted, “The relationship of trust in the shareholders’ agreement is a business matter, not an issue of ‘personal integrity’ (전인격적).” She claimed, “I was the CEO who earned HYBE the most money among its subsidiaries. In fact, I was the best at my job, but HYBE is misleading the public by claiming the relationship of trust was broken due to emotional issues.” She stressed, “It’s not about the money; it’s about pride.”
Regarding the allegations of attempting to take NewJeans, she denied the claims, stating, “HYBE framed me with the management seizure narrative, and when the prosecution dismissed the case, they brought up the tampering issue. I held the press conference because HYBE tried to make me a witch by publicly announcing the audit before the results were even released.”
Criticism of HYBE’s NewJeans Handling
Meanwhile, the NewJeans members, who had engaged in a contract dispute following the former CEO’s dismissal, recently expressed their intention to return to ADOR. Haerin and Hyein officially formalized their return through ADOR, while the other three—Minji, Danielle, and Hanni—separately informed ADOR of their intent to return via their law firm. ADOR initially stated they were “verifying the sincerity” of the three members before later updating their stance, stating they are “coordinating individual meetings and will do their best to ensure smooth discussions.”
Min Hee Jin criticized HYBE’s handling of the NewJeans return issue, stating, “HYBE told the court, ‘We will treat them well if they return,’ but they are now creating division by practically isolating the three members [Minji, Danielle, and Hanni]. I don’t understand it.” She added, “Even if two members announced their intent to return first, if it were me, I would have waited and announced it all at once.” She then questioned, “HYBE is causing confusion. If they agreed to return, they should be accepted. Why doubt their sincerity and question their motives?”
Plans for OOAK Records and a Boy Group
In related news, Min Hee Jin recently established a new entertainment agency, OOAK Records, and is preparing to hold a private audition to discover new artists.
Regarding her future plans, Min Hee Jin mentioned, “I have gratefully received many calls domestically and internationally since the news of the corporation was announced.” She stated, “I don’t have plans to produce a girl group right now. If I do, it will be a boy group.” She expressed confidence, concluding, “I have a new concept in mind. I believe that by filling the gaps lacking in the current market, I can cause a sensation.”
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