As the police have decided not to pursue charges against former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin for breach of duty, HYBE has announced that it will file an objection with the prosecutor's office.
On the 15th, the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul stated that they found it "difficult to acknowledge any criminal charges" regarding the allegations against Min and decided not to pursue the case.
On the same day, Min's side also released an official statement, saying, "As a result of the police investigation that has lasted over a year, it has been determined that there is no illegality on the part of Min, and we would like to inform you that both cases filed by HYBE have been decided as 'no charges' and not pursued by the police."
HYBE reported Min Hee-jin for breach of duty on April 25 of last year. At that time, HYBE submitted a complaint, claiming that Min and the ADOR management had engaged in conversations on KakaoTalk that indicated an attempt to seize management rights. In response, Min's side argued that since HYBE holds 80% of ADOR's shares, it is impossible to seize management rights due to the share structure.
After the police sided with Min, HYBE immediately released a statement saying, "We plan to file an objection with the prosecutor's office today." HYBE added, "Since new situations have arisen, such as the declaration of contract termination by NewJeans members after the police investigation, and numerous new pieces of evidence have been submitted in related trials, we wish to contest the decision not to pursue the case in the objection process, especially since the court of the provisional injunction appeal (Seoul High Court) has determined that Min is 'intentionally destroying the integrated structure that is the premise of the exclusive contract.'
Additionally, it was stated, "The investigation authorities have decided not to pursue the case regarding the complaint filed by Min Hee-jin and others against five HYBE executives for obstruction of business and violations of the Information and Communications Network Act (defamation) last July. We would also like to inform you that all indiscriminate complaints and accusations made by Min's side against HYBE and its affiliated employees have also concluded with a decision not to pursue."
Min Hee-jin has been in conflict with HYBE since April of last year. At that time, HYBE initiated an audit, claiming that the management led by Min, who was then the CEO of ADOR, was attempting to seize management rights. In response, Min claimed that she was being retaliated against for raising issues regarding the 'NewJeans copy' of ILYT.
The ADOR board, composed of HYBE personnel, dismissed Min Hee-jin from her position in August of the same year, and despite public support from NewJeans members, Min's return was thwarted. Ultimately, Min announced her complete separation from HYBE by resigning from her position as an inside director of ADOR in November of the same year.
Min is currently engaged in legal battles, including claims for confirmation of the termination of contracts with HYBE and its affiliated labels, as well as lawsuits for damages.
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
