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yesterday

Police Drop Breach of Trust Charges Against Ex-ADOR Chief Min Hee-jin as HYBE Prepares Appeal

HYBE filed a formal objection after police found no evidence to pursue criminal charges, with its subsidiaries advancing civil suits over contracts, defamation and a 26 billion won put option.

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Overview

  • After a year-long probe, Yongsan Police Station declined to forward HYBE’s breach of trust and related defamation complaints against Min Hee-jin to prosecutors, citing lack of evidence.
  • HYBE announced plans to contest the non-indictment decision and will press ahead with civil litigation over NewJeans’ contract validity, defamation claims and a 26 billion won put option dispute.
  • The conflict traces back to HYBE’s April 2024 audit of ADOR, which alleged Min attempted to seize control by courting an outside investor—an accusation she has maintained was structurally impossible.
  • Min was removed as ADOR CEO in August 2024 and resigned from its board in November after NewJeans members unsuccessfully sought to void their exclusive contracts.
  • Observers say the saga highlights governance challenges within HYBE’s multi-label structure and underscores broader tensions over artist autonomy and agency oversight in K-pop.