Min Hee-jin - CMU | the music business explained

Criminal defamation charges no longer on the cards for HYBE execs who claimed former Ador boss consulted shamans - because, in fact, she did

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Hybe • 2 min read

Criminal defamation charges no longer on the cards for HYBE execs who claimed former Ador boss consulted shamans - because, in fact, she did

When HYBE fell out with founder and CEO of its Ador agency, Min Hee-jin, there were lawsuits but also a criminal investigation. Min accused HYBE execs of criminal defamation over claims she consulted shamans while running Ador. However, prosecutors have now confirmed they won’t be charging anyone…

Chris Cooke • 11 Jun 2026

Ador founder wants to develop alternative K-pop management model with new agency

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Min Hee-jin • 2 min read

Ador founder wants to develop alternative K-pop management model with new agency

The dispute between NewsJeans and HYBE-owned Ador put the spotlight on K-pop artist deals earlier this year. Ador founder Min Hee-jin - who was pushed out of the agency, prompting the dispute with NewJeans - is launching a new company and says she plans to develop a “new management model” through it…

Chris Cooke • 08 Dec 2025

With NewJeans v HYBE legal ruling due, Ador’s founder Min launches new agency

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NewJeans • 3 min read

With NewJeans v HYBE legal ruling due, Ador’s founder Min launches new agency

A judge is due to rule this week on the legal battle between HYBE’s Ador and NewJeans - it is trying to enforce its contract with the group, who quit the agency after CEO Min Hee-jin was pushed out. With that ruling incoming, Min has now launched another K-pop agency called Ooak…

Chris Cooke • 28 Oct 2025

Ador founder says HYBE carries “burden of proof” in dispute over terminated shareholder agreement

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Ador • 2 min read

Ador founder says HYBE carries “burden of proof” in dispute over terminated shareholder agreement

The dispute between HYBE and the founder of its Ador label, Min Hee-Jin, was in court last week. Min has since issued a statement criticising HYBE over its conduct in the dispute, insisting it has the burden of proof to show it legally terminated a shareholders agreement and dismissed her as CEO…

Chris Cooke • 22 Apr 2025

NewJeans drama escalates as bust-up with label Ador goes legal

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Ador • 3 min read

NewJeans drama escalates as bust-up with label Ador goes legal

HYBE label Ador has begun legal proceedings against NewJeans after the group announced last week that they were terminating their contract with the company because it failed to address various grievances they raised. Ador says the contract stands and it now wants a court to confirm that…

Chris Cooke • 05 Dec 2024

Min Hee-jin resigns from Ador alleging “numerous illegal activities” at HYBE

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Hybe • 4 min read

Min Hee-jin resigns from Ador alleging “numerous illegal activities” at HYBE

The very public feud between the co-founder and former CEO of K-pop label Ador and its parent company HYBE continues, with Min Hee-jin resigning from the label’s board and publishing a scathing resignation letter. She also promises legal action against her former business partners…

Chris Cooke • 21 Nov 2024

Min Hee-jin formally reappointed as Ador director, but legal battle to reclaim CEO role continues

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Ador • 3 min read

Min Hee-jin formally reappointed as Ador director, but legal battle to reclaim CEO role continues

HYBE label Ador has formally reappointed founder Min Hee-jin as a director, but she still wants to be CEO. HYBE’s boss, meanwhile, has urged staff to not stress too much about the public feud with Min nor the fact the K-pop company has to pay £223 million to investors who previously bought bonds…

Chris Cooke • 21 Oct 2024

HYBE reopens investigation into sexual harassment claims at Ador, as label’s ousted CEO says she’s selling her house to cover legal costs

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Ador • 3 min read

HYBE reopens investigation into sexual harassment claims at Ador, as label’s ousted CEO says she’s selling her house to cover legal costs

Min Hee-jin, ex-CEO at HYBE label Ador, has again said she wants her old job back, insisting that separating her management and production roles makes no sense. Meanwhile HYBE is investigating claims Min inappropriately intervened into an inquiry into sexual harassment allegations at the label…

Chris Cooke • 30 Sep 2024