Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin has been cleared of occupational breach of trust charges following a police investigation in Seoul. The charges were originally filed by HYBE, the parent company of ADOR, last year.
On July 15, the Yongsan Police Station announced that it would not forward the case to prosecutors, saying there was “no suspicion of a crime.” This decision effectively clears Min Hee Jin of any wrongdoing regarding the breach of trust accusations.
Min Hee Jin responded through her legal team, stating, “After more than a year of investigation, the police have confirmed that there was no illegality involved. Both cases reported by HYBE have been closed without referral to the prosecution.”
HYBE, however, disagreed with the police’s decision and announced plans to file an official objection. In a statement, the company said new evidence has come to light since the initial investigation, including the recent decision by members of NewJeans to terminate their contracts. HYBE claims this supports their concerns about Min Hee Jin’s management practices.
HYBE also referenced an appellate court ruling that viewed Min Hee Jin’s actions as a threat to the company’s structure, particularly regarding her role in ADOR’s management.
Additionally, several related cases involving accusations from Min Hee Jin and her associates against HYBE’s management were also closed, with authorities determining there were no grounds for prosecution. These cases included allegations of defamation and violations of information protection laws against HYBE and its subsidiaries.
The legal dispute stems from HYBE’s accusation in April 2024 that Min Hee Jin attempted to take control of ADOR, the agency managing the popular girl group NewJeans. Min Hee Jin denied the claims, saying HYBE’s 80% ownership made such a takeover impossible. She further argued that HYBE retaliated against her after she raised plagiarism concerns about another HYBE group, ILLIT.
The legal battle between HYBE and Min Hee Jin remains ongoing, with more developments expected as HYBE pursues further legal action.
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