Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin has announced her resignation as the agency’s internal director, marking the latest development in her ongoing conflict with HYBE. This decision comes just a month after her reinstatement to the role on October 17. She also revealed plans to terminate her shareholder contract with HYBE and pursue legal action against the conglomerate for alleged violations.
In a statement released through her legal team on November 20, Min expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “HYBE has refused to admit wrongdoing and shows no sign of changing, so I have come to the conclusion that further efforts are a waste of time.” The former CEO accused HYBE of engaging in what she described as a “witch hunt” against her, citing the company’s alleged use of its affiliated labels to file baseless lawsuits and manipulate public narratives.
Min Hee Jin’s tenure at ADOR has been tumultuous. Initially removed from her position as CEO in April following what she called an “illegal audit” by HYBE, she was reinstated last month under a three-year contract to oversee the production of NewJeans, one of ADOR’s most prominent acts. However, Min has claimed that the challenges she faced during her return made her position untenable.
The former CEO further alleged that HYBE’s actions extended beyond her dismissal. She accused the company of violating its shareholder agreement and dismissed its attempts to rectify the situation as insincere. “I have been trying to bring everything back to the way it was in April, to abide by the shareholder contract with HYBE and protect ADOR,” Min stated. “But HYBE has not only failed to do so but seems to show no signs of admitting its wrongdoing.”
The dispute between Min Hee Jin and HYBE has lasted for over seven months, with allegations of mismanagement, hypocrisy, and unethical behavior taking center stage. She also referenced a recent internal document leak that, according to her, exposed HYBE’s dishonesty.
Min’s departure has yet to be formally processed, as HYBE confirmed it had not received her resignation letter at the time of her announcement. The situation has left fans of NewJeans and industry observers closely watching how this complex legal and professional battle will unfold.